Bellapais Abbey - a historical landmark of Northern Cyprus

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

Time stopped there. It seems that a monk in white robes is about to come around the corner or a dilapidated wagon drawn by a tired horse will pass…

Bellapais Abbey is a truly unique creation of the 13th century, made in the Gothic style and is one of the most attractive sights of the island. Although poorly maintained, the place is popular with tourists and hosts a variety of recreational activities.

Bellapais Abbey: History

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

The construction of the abbey began in 1198. More precisely, the church of St. Mary of the Mountain was not built immediately for the monks. It was handed over to the order only some time after the completion of construction. However, the Premonstratensians contributed to the namefuture complex: due to the fact that the monks wore white clothes, the monastery was nicknamed the "White Abbey".

The complex grew literally before our eyes. New buildings were erected quite quickly, especially for the time when there was neither specialized construction equipment nor certain technologies. Pilgrims left generous donations, so active expansion was more than realistic. The largest contribution to the construction of the abbey was made by King Hugo III. For his own money, he equipped the monastery courtyard, erected a huge refectory room, and created several pavilions. Bellapais Abbey was built already in the 14th century.

The monastery complex did not get its name immediately, but only during the reign of Cyprus by the Venetians. Literally, the name translates as "the abbey of the world."

Bellapais has experienced both good times and dark times. Sometimes it was hard, at other times the abbey prospered. It was robbed and ruined, morally obscene acts were organized, then restored, and life again flowed into a bright channel. When the Ottomans conquered Cyprus, the monks were expelled from the abbey. The territory was transferred to the Greek Orthodox Church.

Today, the Gothic-style abbey 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 - measured life. Nobody is in a hurry. And tourists calmly strolling through the abbey and the streets of the settlement, looking at the clock, will see that time has stopped somewhere there, in the distant XIIIcentury.

Territory

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

During the period of British colonial rule, the room became a shooting range, as evidenced by bullet marks in the walls. From the refectory you can get into the room, the true purpose of which is not fully known. But it is assumed that there was a warehouse here. This room is also quite large. From this it can be judged that the abbey could indeed exist autonomously for a long time, closing itself off from the outside world if necessary (for example, during epidemics or wars).

Belonging at different times to several rulers, Bellapais Abbey constantly acquired some new features. So not all details can be attributed to the XIII century. For example, on one side of the courtyard there is a church that is best preserved. Its construction dates back to the 1200s. But the fresco, which can be seen on the facade, appeared presumably already in the 15th century.

A tower of incredible beauty meets guests, made in the Gothic style, like everything else. She lets 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. Oneonce played the role of lavabo.

From the sarcophagus you can go straight to the refectory, which was described above. This room also has a pulpit, and it is illuminated by 7 large windows - 6 on the north side and one more on the east side.

The western wall has a door leading to the kitchen and basement (also mentioned above). Between the refectory and the kitchen there are vacant spaces that are believed to have been toilets.

On the eastern side of the courtyard, there are rooms that served as the rector's house and work rooms several hundred years ago. Previously, there was an administrative center here. There is a column in the very heart of the courtyard. According to some reports, it was brought from an old Byzantine church. And upstairs, on the second floor, there are cells.

Bellapais Abbey, the photo of which is posted in this article, is densely planted with cypresses. There is a legend that women monks are buried alive under them.

Bellapais Abbey today: what is there?

Concerts are often held in the refectory, and a gothic-styled five-star restaurant with a beautiful summer terrace adjoins the monastery. Opposite the entrance to the abbey there are souvenir shops with various goods.

Bellapais Abbey: how to get there?

The village of the same name is located near Girne (Kyrenia), just a 20-minute drive. You can also walk to Bellapais. But this is not the easiest task, as you have to climb the mountain. Better stopa ride or order a taxi - it's not a long ride, so you don't need to pay a lot for transportation.

There are no direct flights from Russia to Girne, which significantly complicates the trip. You must first fly to Larnaca, and then take a taxi to Girne or immediately to Bellapais. The trip will not be cheap - ordering a car will cost 70-100 euros. Cheaper only by bus, but, firstly, you will need to make a lot of transfers, and secondly, it is very difficult with luggage.

Opening hours and ticket prices

Entrance to the territory of the abbey costs approximately 2.5 euros. From March to November, it is open 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 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 lovers of antiquity. In addition to visiting the territory of the monastery, you can take a walk around the village - although it is small and unremarkable, but a mini-trip through the narrow streets past the old houses will be memorable.