The most famous and beautiful structure in the city of Larnaca has to be the Kamares Aqueduct. This old historical aqueduct can be found on the main road from Larnaca to Limassol. The name Kamares is derived from the shape of the bridge-like structure of arches — the word for arch is ‘kamara’ in Greek.
It was built in 1750 during the Ottoman rule to provide clean water to the city, and was considered the most important structure of its time. What made it even more remarkable was that it was funded by the then governor of Larnaca using his own personal money, not the town’s.
How the water got here
The whole project was large when you consider the work done to bring the water close to the aqueduct. Underground water channels — effectively pipes — carried the flow from the Tremithos river towards the laoumi, which fed further channels, and from there through the aqueduct into the town.
The aqueduct stopped being used in 1939, replaced by modern pipes laid elsewhere to bring fresh water to the town.
Seeing it now
Today the structure of some twenty and more arches stands tall, illuminated by night along a cobblestone path. It is an open-air attraction, free to see and explore, and some visitors take the nature path behind it towards the Salt Lake on the other side. Come early in the morning for the shadows cast by the low sun — the same happens at sunset, with the golden hour colours added.
More sightseeing around Larnaca
Saint Lazarus Church
The city’s landmark church, a short walk behind the Foinikoudes seafront.
Larnaca Castle
The fort at the far end of Foinikoudes — climb it for the length of the promenade.
Zenobia Wreck
A 178-metre ferry on its side ten minutes off Larnaca — consistently ranked among the world’s top ten wreck dives.
Foinikoudes Promenade
Town beach with palms down its spine — cafés on one side, the Mediterranean on the other.