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Place to Visit In Northern Cyprus > Bellapais Abbey

The Bellapais Abbey -Dominated by its world famous thirteenth century abbey, the tiny village of Bellapais, set high in the hills overlooking Kyrenia, was immortalised by Lawrence Durrell in his classic 'Bitter Lemons of Cyprus'. The village has hardly changed since those days, and you can still sit under the enchanting 'tree of idleness' and watch the afternoon gently slip away or explore the ruins of the Abbey and take in the superb views. Afternoon tea within the grounds, or an evening meal with the floodlit Abbey as a backdrop, are truly memorable experiences.

Bellapais Abbey, is the most remarkable Gothic monument still remaining in Cyprus and comprises of a church, refectory, dormitory and storage rooms grouped around an inner courtyard. Also known as the White Abbey because of the white habits worn by the Premonsratensian order of monks, the Abbey derives its name from the corruption of Abbey de la Pais (the Abbey of Peace) and is truly one of the most tranquil and serene places on the island.

t was founded at the beginning of the thirteenth century by members of the Augustinian order, fleeing their erstwhile kingdom of Jerusalem. Thierry, Archbishop of Cyprus, persuaded them to adopt the rule that arose in Premontré in northern France and under his guidance the abbey prospered and became influential. In 1246 it benefited from a large legacy bequeathed by a knight simply known as Roger the Norman who also endowed a piece of the true cross. To possess such a sacred relic made the abbey the focus of some very wealthy pilgrims who would spend their time in retreat and leave a handsome remuneration at the end of their stay. With the tremendous wealth the abbey was able to amass, it became a venue not just for the pious, but also the royal family and members of the nobility.

Most of the abbey that is visible today dates from the time of Hugh III. It was he who granted the Abbots the privilege of wearing a sword and golden spurs. Under the patronage of Hugh IV, who was a devout Catholic and promoter of the arts, the abbey continued to develop. Hugh is recorded is having a tremendous affection for Bellapais and spent much time there, building and improving on the monastic quarters. When the Genoese overran the island in 1373 the abbey became one of the victims of the onslaught and much of its wealth was looted, including the relic of the true cross. From this time, the abbey went into a decline and

Never regained prominence. When the Ottoman forces later took the island they sacked the abbey and left it derelict, some of the stone subsequently being taken for use in other buildings. Gradually, since independence up to the present day, the abbey has undergone a steady programme of repair and is now one of Northern Cyprus' most popular and visited sites.

Cities in Northern Cyprus, Kyrenia, Nicosia, Famagusta, Guzelyurt, and Karpaz