Kamares Aqueduct

Cyprus

LoginSave

Sanctioned in 1746 by Ottoman governor Bekir Pasha, and built in classical Roman style – some historians believe it is actually a Roman creation that was simply refurbished by the Ottomans – this aqueduct was constructed to solve Larnaka's freshwater problems. It originally ferried water from a source 10km south using underground tunnels, hundreds of air wells and a series of overland arches known as 'the Kamares' that survive today.

The aqueduct remained in use until the 1950s. Today the Larnaka municipality holds occasional open-air concerts on the lawns in front of the aqueduct, which is wonderfully illuminated at night. It is close to the K Cineplex on the old road to Lemesos.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Zenobia ship wreck near Paphos, Cyprus ; Shutterstock ID 471124055; purchase_order: 65050; job: ; client: ; other: 471124055

    Zenobia

    2.77 MILES

    For divers, the one reason to come to Larnaka is to explore the Zenobia, a Swedish-built cargo ship that sank just off the coast of Larnaka in 1980…

  • The stone city walls of Famagusta in Cyprus.

    Venetian Walls

    24.15 MILES

    Defining the Old Town, these imposing ramparts were constructed by the Venetians in the early 16th century. Although over 15m high and up to 8m thick, and…

  • Selimiye Mosque in Nicosia, Northern Cyprus.

    Selimiye Mosque

    22.86 MILES

    North Nicosia’s most prominent landmark (also clearly visible from the southern half of the city), the Selimiye Mosque is a beautiful mongrel of a…

  • A series of columns in Amathus ancient city archaeological site.

    Ancient Amathous

    28.75 MILES

    The remains at this archaeological site, about 11km east of Lemesos, belie its original importance. Amathous was one of Cyprus’ original four kingdoms,…

  • Ancient theater of Salamis, Famagusta aeria, North Cyprus

    Ancient Salamis

    25.69 MILES

    According to legend, Salamis was founded around 1180 BC by Teucer (Teukros), son of Telamon, king of Salamina, on the Greek mainland. Brother to the hero…

  • Detail from the iconostasis (baroque wood carving), Church of St Lazarus (Agios Lazaros) (built in the 9th century and rebuilt in the 17th century), Larnaca, Cyprus.

    Agios Lazaros

    1.88 MILES

    This 9th-century church is dedicated to Lazarus of Bethany, whom Jesus is said to have resurrected four days after his death. The church itself is an…

  • 16th century Venetian walls of Nicosia, Cyprus; Shutterstock ID 132634124; Your name (First / Last): Brana V; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Nicosia destination page

    Venetian Walls

    22.46 MILES

    The Venetian walls form a border around the Old City and are so unusual that, once seen on a map, you’ll never forget the odd snowflake-like shape.

  • Church of Apostolos Varnavas

    Church of Apostolos Varnavas

    24.19 MILES

    This beautiful Orthodox church is dedicated to St Paul’s good friend Varnavas (Barnabas), who was born in Cyprus and carried out his missionary work here…

View more attractions

Nearby Cyprus attractions

1. Larnaka Salt Lake

1.35 MILES

During winter this protected reserve fills with rainwater, creating an important migratory habitat for flamingos, wild ducks and water fowl. As summer…

2. Natural History Museum

1.49 MILES

This museum presents an excellent introduction to the natural history of the island, with exhibits dedicated to fauna, flora, geology, insects and marine…

3. Hala Sultan Tekkesi

1.69 MILES

Surrounded by date palms, cypress and olive trees, this late-18th-century mosque and tekke (shrine) sits wistfully on the edge of Larnaka’s salt lake…

4. Byzantine Museum

1.87 MILES

Located in the courtyard of the Agios Lazaros complex, this museum originally contained many priceless relics and artefacts. Unfortunately, much of the…

5. Agios Lazaros

1.88 MILES

This 9th-century church is dedicated to Lazarus of Bethany, whom Jesus is said to have resurrected four days after his death. The church itself is an…

6. Kyriazis Medical Museum

1.89 MILES

If you happen to be in Larnaka on a Wednesday or Saturday, and have a passion for medical history – or just like quirky museums – hop along here. This…

7. Ancient Kition

1.89 MILES

Much of the original city-kingdom of Kition is covered by present-day Larnaka. The sparse remains that have been unearthed, referred to as Area II, lie…

8. Larnaka Archaeological Museum

1.93 MILES

Larnaka’s one-room archaeological museum is sparse on information but houses a wide collection of ceramics from nearby sites. The collection's highlights…