Bellapais Abbey, Kyrenia : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Nestled in the hills of Cyprus, the Bellapais Abbey is a stunning example of Gothic architecture located in the beautiful village of Bellapais. It once served as a monastery and today it is a popular tourist attraction in Kyrenia. History buffs will find much to explore in this ancient abbey. Whether you are interested in its rich history or a fan of its classic architecture and design, there is something alluring for everyone’s aesthetic tastes. This travel guide will introduce you to the various interesting facts and information about the Bellapais Abbey, so that you can experience the ultimate historical delight.

Interesting Facts About Bellapais Abbey, Kyrenia

1. Bellapais Abbey was originally a Gothic monastery which was built by Augustine Canons, then abandoned and later converted to an annex of a nearby Benedictine monastery in the 14th century.

2. The abbey was used as a summer retreat by King Hugh III of Cyprus and by the Ottoman governor of Cyprus in 16th century.

3. It was later donated to the Franciscans by the Drayton-Bournabat family in 1836, and eventually turned into a monastery.

4. The abbey is famous for its beautiful outdoor spaces which are popularly used for open-air concerts.

5. The painting of the Last Supper which hangs in the main hall of the abbey is believed to be painted by the famous artist Da Vinci.

6. Bellapais Abbey is also home to a museum which houses artifacts such as ancient Greek and Roman coins, pottery, and more.

7. The distinctive arched windows of the abbey were originally made of stained glass, which was a popular trend in Gothic architecture.

8. An interesting fact is that the abbey was originally only used as a chapel and did not become an abbey until the first monks moved in in 1931.

9. During World War Two, the abbey was used as a hospital for injured British soldiers which further deteriorated its already dilapidated condition.

10. Bellapais Abbey has recently become a popular tourist attraction in Northern Cyprus.

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History & Information About Bellapais Abbey, Kyrenia

Bellapais Abbey is a ruined 12th century Gothic abbey located at the foot of the Five Finger Mountain near the village of Bellapais in Kyrenia, Cyprus. The abbey was built between 1198 and 1205 as a monastic fortress by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. The Abbey is renowned for its picturesque beauty, and is one of the most visited sights in Kyrenia. The Abbey housed a library with over 5,000 volumes in the late 19th century. The building stands on the north side of the courtyard, and is a fortified monastery that incorporates a Gothic church, two cloisters, a refectory, a kitchen and other monastic buildings. The church gives visitors an impressive view of the surrounding countryside. The cloisters, constructed in the middle of the 13th century, feature curved double arches that are decorated with human and animal figures. The refectory, which is situated in a separate wing of the abbey, contains 15th century murals, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful and interesting buildings in the abbey.

Today, the abbey is a popular tourist attraction, and is open to the public all year round. Visitors can explore the ruins, or take a guided tour. Many concerts and events are also held here throughout the year, including the Bellapais Music Festival.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Bellapais Abbey, Kyrenia

Bellapais Abbey is one of the most stunning pieces of architecture in Northern Cyprus. This historic building is situated on a ridge overlooking the picturesque village of Bellapais, which was once listed as one of the top 10 villages in Europe.

Despite its beauty, Bellapais Abbey has a turbulent past. The original, Augustinian site was built in 1198, but it was taken over and used as a monastery by the Knights Hospitaller in 1375 who were engaged in a campaign against the Ottoman Turks. The Abbey then fell into a state of disrepair.

Today, the ruins of the Abbey serve as an impressive and attractive place for visitors to explore.

How to get to Bellapais Abbey
Bellapais Abbey is located in the Kyrenia District of Northern Cyprus, a short 20-minute drive from the city of Kyrenia. You can also take a taxi or use the public transportation service to reach the abbey.

What to see at Bellapais Abbey
Bellapais Abbey is a stunning sight to behold. It is the largest well-preserved Gothic building on the island, and its external architecture is quite striking. The main features of the abbey include the cloister, a large decorative fountain, and an impressive marble courtyard. Inside, you can explore various chapels and church ruins.

What to do at Bellapais Abbey
The best thing to do at Bellapais Abbey is to simply explore the site and try to imagine how it must have looked back in its heyday. You may also want to take a leisurely walk around the grounds and take in the views of the nearby village. There are guided tours available as well, and for those who wish to spend more time exploring, you can join a sightseeing tour.

When to visit Bellapais Abbey
Bellapais Abbey can be visited at any time of the year, but the best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is milder. The abbey is usually open to visitors from 8.00am to 6.00pm.

Important Tips
– Dress appropriately for your visit – the interior of the abbey is quite cool even in the summer months and it is recommended to wear a light jacket or sweater
– Photography is allowed, however, visitors are kindly asked to be respectful of the site
– There are no restaurants or cafes in the immediate vicinity, so it is recommended to bring snacks and drinks for your visit

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bellapais Abbey, Kyrenia

Q: Where is Bellapais Abbey located?
A: Bellapais Abbey is located in the village of Bellapais, in the Kyrenia District of Northern Cyprus.

Q: What is the history of Bellapais Abbey?
A: Bellapais Abbey was founded in 1205 by Simeon of Laon, an Augustinian Monastery. It is the largest Gothic building on the island and was a spiritual and cultural center.

Q: What is the architecture of Bellapais Abbey like?
A: Bellapais Abbey has an impressive display of Gothic architecture, including its five-arched narthex, two soaring bell towers, and a Renaissance cloister.

Q: What activities can be enjoyed at Bellapais Abbey?
A: People can enjoy walking around and taking in the beautiful architecture, and there are a few shops and restaurants in the area. There are also concerts and other activities hosted at the Abbey from time to time.

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