Overview:

Bellapais Abbey is a Gothic-style abbey located in the town of Bellapais, North Cyprus. It was built by the Augustinian Canons Regular in the 13th century and its remains are a famous tourist attraction. This abbey is one of the most important noble monuments in the Mediterranean, and it became a major center of activity during the Gothic and Renaissance periods. It is also known as the “Bride of Cyprus” due to its impressive architecture and historical significance. The abbey is a must-see for any visitor to the area, and its beautiful grounds provide plenty of wonderful spots for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

1. Gothic architecture: Bellapais Abbey was built in the Gothic style of architecture and is noted for the Gothic arches, pointed vaulting, elaborate fortified towers, and polygonal apses. 2. Picturesque setting: The abbey is set in the foothills of the Kyrenia mountain range and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. 3. Famed cloister: The abbey's cloister is the most impressive feature of the building. It has an open sky at its center, four galleries around the edge, and numerous gothic arches. 4. Refectory: The refectory is decorated with 14th century wall frescoes, including the Last Supper and the Judgment of Solomon. 5. Frescoes and carvings: Bellapais Abbey is decorated with some of the best preserved frescoes and carvings in the region, including a series of biblical scenes. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Bellapais Abbey, also known as "Abbaye de la Paix" or the "Abbey of Peace," is a Gothic-style abbey located in the village of Bellapais in Kyrenia district, Northern Cyprus. It was founded in 1198 by Augustinian monks who had come to the area from Jerusalem, when Belgium and France were participating in the Third Crusade. The abbey received the name Pais from the Greek apaixia, meaning tranquility and peace. This name was given due to its location, which was surrounded by olive groves and fields, providing a peaceful getaway from the worldly depredations. In 1205, Bellapais Abbey received royal protection from King Amalric of Jerusalem and became a secure place of refuge for knights and other travelers during the thirteenth century. After the death of Amalric in 1218, the abbey was taken over by the Knights Templar, who held it until 1291. The abbey then passed to the Order of the Hospitallers, who had been granted the privilege of governance by Pope Clement VI in 1336. The Hospitallers kept the abbey until 1571, when it was taken over by the Ottomans during their invasion of Cyprus. It was largely destroyed during this time, but the massive stone walls and beautiful frescoes have survived to this day. During the Ottoman period the abbey was used as a mosque, but was abandoned after the Ottoman conquest in 1878. In 1906, the British began restoring the abbey to its former glory and it underwent extensive refurbishment in the 1950s. Today, the abbey is a popular tourist destination and is one of the most magnificent Gothic monuments in the Eastern Mediterranean. It is seen as a symbol of peace and a reminder of man’s efforts to live in harmony with nature. The abbey is open to the public and can be visited any day of the week. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour