- Address: Bellapais village, Kyrenia, Cyprus
- Denomination: Roman Catholic Church
- Foundation date: 1205-1206 years.
- Famous inhabitants: Hetmus Patmich (1305)
Bellapais Abbey in Cyprus is one of the most impressive monuments of the island's gothic architecture. Unfortunately, he remained rather badly. But even those fragments of structures that we can see now are of great value and are capable of transferring their viewers to the distant 13th century - the time when the abbey was built.
From the history of the Bellapais Abbey
The history of the abbey began in the 12th century, when the Augustinian monks settled in the village of Bellapais. There, in 1198, they began to build the monastery of St. Mary the Mountain, which was later transferred to the Order of Premonstrants. Because of the white clothes of the Order, the monastery was called "White Abbey".
The monastery complex was rapidly expanding, which contributed to the generous donations of pilgrims. Great contribution to the development of the abbey was invested by King Hugo III. He built a monastery yard, a huge refectory and several pavilions. The construction of the monastery was completed in the 14th century. Its modern name was given to the abbey at a time when the Venetians ruled Cyprus. In translation from French it means "Abbey of the World".
In the history of the Bellapais monastery complex there were bright periods of prosperity, and difficult times when the abbey was completely ruined when the moral decline prevailed on its territory. Now the Bellapais Abbey in Cyprus is a tourist attraction. In addition, its territory is used for cultural events. For example, every year there is a music festival International Bellapais Music Festival.
A walk through the monastery complex
So, you decided to take a tour of the Bellapais Abbey. The first thing that most likely will impress every tourist is the location of the abbey. It is built on a steep slope. Some parts of the complex are practically not preserved. Thus, the western part of the structure is considered the most ruined.
But the building of the monastery, on the contrary, remained beautiful. In good condition there is also a refectory, built in the beginning of the XIV century. At the entrance to it you will find a magnificently decorated sarcophagus. For the monks, he performed the role of a font in which they washed their hands before entering the refectory. The hall itself consists of two tiers and is famous for its excellent acoustics. It is in it every year that musical events take place. The warehouse, located under the refectory, is also perfectly preserved.
Modern tourists will not be able to fully appreciate the beauty of the richly decorated facade of the monastery. But retaining the former grandeur of the arch allow us to imagine how magnificently the building was decorated. The main element of its decor was deciduous ornaments.
Interesting fact
A few centuries ago the Bellapais Abbey was considered a damned place. The fact is that in the fifteenth century the abbots of the monastery began to recede from the strict canons. Services were conducted less and less frequently, and more often the abbots could be seen accompanied by women. In the end, this behavior led to an open scandal. Arrived at the abbey, the soldiers executed all the monks. It is believed that in memory of this event in the courtyard of the monastery complex were planted cypress trees.
How to visit?
Public transport to the abbey does not go. The easiest way to get there by taxi or on a rented car .
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