The Bellapais Abbey is called the most striking example of the medieval gothic architecture of North Cyprus. Its foundation is attributed to Hugh III - the first king of the Lusignan dynasty. It is known that the king was a very devout person, and also a patron of art. In any case, Hugh III sacrificed his own funds for the construction of the abbey. The times of his protection without exaggeration can be called the period of the heyday of the holy palace.

But the happiness did not last long. With the Genoese invasion, the abbey was plundered barbarously. As long as the fortress of Kyrenia was under siege, enemy troops carried out everything that could be taken from the palace. Benedictine monks, first inhabited the abbey again left with nothing, and the world culture has lost at least hundreds of unique relics.

Later, during the reign of the Venetians, the situation with the abbey worsened. But this time pumped up morale. The holy principles of kindness and chastity, laid down by Hugh III, were now fulfilled with the exact opposite. It came to the point that the monks, who had lost all values, openly kept the contents (and several at the same time), and among their novices, their illegitimate children predominated.

By the way, there is a legend about the four thousand. Once the abbot's abbot caught two monks with mistresses. The punishment was followed by a cruel one: he was given orders to bury the debauchee at the four corners of the courtyard, and on each tomb to plant on the tree. Thus the dean condemned sinners to eternal intimacy and inaccessibility at the same time. In fact, to this day the abbey courtyard crowned these four trees.

Former glory back to Bellapais Abbey in our century, when the issue of attractions of Northern Cyprus began to study in earnest. Despite the fact that the building is in a dilapidated state, it still has "living" rooms and elements of the original decorations. Almost entirely survived an old church adorned with medieval frescoes, refektory (monastic dining room), a basement, and some arches, stairs and columns.

Abbey Bellapais Abbey on the territory of a cafe in the open. The excellent Turkish coffee and oriental sweets are accompanied by a delightful panoramic view of the sea. In addition, a playground for concerts and festivals is now set up in the hall of the former refectory

Practical information

Bellapais Abbey is located in the village of the same name, in the foothills of the Beshparmak Range, just a few kilometers from Kyrenia. Public transport does not go here, but a taxi will cost inexpensively - about 8 USD (as of 2013). From the central square of the city to the abbey can be reached in less than 10 minutes. If desired, the distance can be overcome even by foot.

The building in the park, Bellapais Abbey

Bellapais Abbey in Kyrenia

The ruins of the Bellapais Abbey in Kyrenia

The Preserved Refectory, Bellapais Abbey, Kyrenia

Bellapais Abbey Preserved facade of the abbey church, the Abbey of Bellapais

Fragments of the interior of the church, Bellapais Abbey