Bellapais Abbey - Historic Landmark of Northern Cyprus

Time has stopped there. It seems that just around the corner a monk in white clothes will appear or a half-ruined wagon harnessed by a tired horse will pass ...

Bellapais Abbey is truly a unique 13th century creation, made in the Gothic style and one of the most attractive sights of the island. Despite the poor preservation, the place is popular with tourists, as well as various entertainment events.

Bellapais Abbey: History

When Jerusalem was captured by the Cairo sultan Salahaddin Ayyubi, and it happened in 1187, the representatives of the Augustinian order were forced to flee the state. So in this Cypriot village there was a refuge of Augustinian monks.

The construction of the abbey began in 1198. More precisely, the church of St. Mary the Mountain was built not immediately for the monks. It was transferred to the order only a short time after the completion of the construction. However, the Premonstratens contributed to the name of the future complex: thanks to the fact that the monks wore white clothes, the monastery was nicknamed "White Abbey".

The complex grew up literally before our very eyes. New buildings were built quickly enough, especially for the time when there was no specialized construction equipment, or certain technologies. The pilgrims left generous donations, so the active expansion was more than real. The greatest contribution to the construction of the abbey was invested by King Hugo III. For his own money, he equipped a monastery yard, built a huge refectory room, created several pavilions. Already in the XIV century the Bellapais abbey was built.

The monastery complex received its name not immediately, but only during the reign of Cyprus by the Venetians. Literally the name is translated as "the abbey of the world".

Bellapais experienced both bright and gloomy times. Sometimes it was hard, at other times the abbey flourished. He was robbed and ruined, organized morally indecent acts, then restored, and life again flowed into a bright channel. When Cyprus conquered the Ottomans, the monks were banished from the abbey. The territory was transferred to the Greek Orthodox Church.

Today the abbey, executed in the Gothic style, is poorly preserved. But it still remains one of the most popular Cypriot attractions and a favorite place for citizens living here. In the village - a measured life. Nobody is in a hurry. And tourists, quietly strolling along the abbey and the streets of the settlement, looking at the clock, will see that time has stopped somewhere there, in the distant 13th century.

Territory

Since the Bellapais Abbey was founded by the Augustinian brothers and only later transferred to the Norbertins (or Premonstratensians), the emblems of the Lusignan family can be seen above the entrance to the refectory. This huge hall is the pride of not only the monastery, but the entire Middle East, as many historians call this room one of the best examples of Gothic architecture.

During the period of the British colonial rule, the building became a shooting gallery, as indicated by the marks from bullets in the walls. From the refectory you can get into the room, the true destination of which is not completely known. But it is assumed that there was a warehouse here. This room is also quite large. Hence it can be judged that the abbey could indeed exist for a long time autonomously, closing itself off from the surrounding world if necessary (for example, in times of epidemics or wars).

Belonging to several rulers, the abbey Bellapais constantly acquired some new features. So not all the details can be attributed to the XIII century. For example, on one side of the courtyard there is a church that has survived best. Its construction dates back to the 1200th years. But the fresco, which can be seen on the facade, appeared presumably already in the XV century.

The guests of the incredible beauty meet the tower, executed in the Gothic style, like everything else. She lets the tourists into the courtyard, which, in turn, is surrounded by eighteen arches leading to the square. On the north side under one of them there are 2 Roman sarcophagi. One once played the role of lavabo.

From the sarcophagus straight you can get to the refectory, which was described above. In this room there is also a department, and it is illuminated by 7 large windows - 6 from the north side and one from the east.

The western wall has a door leading to the kitchen and a cellar (also mentioned above). Between the refectory and the kitchen there are free rooms that are supposed to be toilets.

On the eastern side of the courtyard, the premises were built, several hundred years ago serving as the abbot's house and working rooms. Earlier there was an administrative center. In the heart of the courtyard is a column. According to some reports, it was brought from an old Byzantine church. And upstairs, on the second floor, are cells.

The Bellapais Abbey, the photo of which is located in this article, is densely covered with cypresses. There is a legend that buried beneath them are the buried women of monks.

Bellapais Abbey today: what is there here?

The refectory often hosts concerts, and directly adjacent to the monastery is a five-star restaurant with a beautiful summer terrace stylized as a gothic style. Opposite the entrance to the abbey are souvenir shops with various goods.

Bellapais Abbey: how to get there?

The village of the same name is located not far from Girne (Kyrenia), just 20 minutes drive. You can also walk to Bellapais on foot. But this is not the easiest task, as one has to climb the mountain. It's better to stop a ride or order a taxi - do not go long, so you do not have to pay much for the import.

From Russia to Girne there are no direct flights, which significantly complicates the trip. It is necessary to fly first to Larnaka, and then take a taxi to Girne or immediately to Bellapais. The trip will not be from cheap - the order of the car will cost 70-100 euros. It is cheaper only by bus, but, firstly, it will be necessary to make many transplants, and secondly, with luggage it is very difficult.

Mode of operation and ticket price

The entrance to the abbey is about 2.5 euros. From March to November, it works from 8 am to 6 pm, and from December to February - from 9:00 to 14:45. On Thursdays the abbey is open until 15:30.

Tourists about the Bellapais Abbey

On the Internet, you can find many reviews from people who have visited this small village. Bellapais Abbey (Cyprus) impresses with its unusual beauty, and its dilapidated state attracts ancient lovers. In addition to visiting the territory of the monastery, you can stroll through the village - it is at least small and unremarkable, but a mini trip through narrow streets past ancient houses will be memorable.