Bellapais Abbey — Attraction in Girne Belediyesi

Bellapais Monastery is an ancient abbey on a mountainside near the town of Kyrenia, in northern Cyprus. It has been there for about eight centuries and amazes with its Gothic architecture, as if torn from medieval Europe and transferred to the Mediterranean.

It was founded at the end of the 12th century by monks who fled the Holy Land after the fall of Jerusalem. They were looking for peace and quiet - hence the name: "Monastery of the Beautiful World". Later, Premonstratensian monks came here, wearing white clothes, which, according to one version, gave the monastery the nickname "White Abbey".

Under the Cypriot kings of the Lusignan dynasty, the monastery flourished: it was expanded, decorated, pilgrims came here. Even kings visited here, as if in a country residence. But as usual, glory is not eternal. The monks began to live more freely, not particularly observing their vows, the monastery weakened. And then the Genoese came and plundered it, taking away even a fragment of the Cross of the Lord.

Later, the monastery fell into disrepair: the monks left, the locals built barns here. In the 20th century, restoration began, and now this place is a pearl of the cultural heritage of the wonderful Island.

Now the Bellapais Monastery is an open-air stage: concerts are held here, especially famous for the music festival in May. And it is also a cozy, almost magical place with a view of the sea, where cypresses have been growing for hundreds of years.

In the Bellapais Monastery, music sounds not only as an echo of past centuries - real concerts are held here to this day. Especially in spring and autumn, this place turns into a live stage, where musicians from all over the world perform under the arches of the ancient abbey.

Every spring, the International Music Festival is held here. This year it started on April 18 and will last until mid-May. The program includes classical, baroque music, piano and string concerts, performances by choirs and...

I like the place, especially the view towards the mountains as it looks like from a fairy tale, the best time to visit is then the mountains are green as a view will be amazing. Previously inside parking was free - last time visited the price was around 2 EUR and TYR was cheaper around 1,5 EUR. Entrance was free of charge into the Abbey before, last visited was around 2 EUR – it relatively small area, but in order to discover horizons and taking several nice pics is worth it. In general, the place is so warm and pleasant. There are several cafes and tiny market with dried and fruits and local staff. There is kind of a flea shop across the street, previously was a possibility to find “medieval” stuff there. There is nice, at least concerning the view towards the Kyrenia and North coast of Cyprus, restaurant next door located in the castle. Excellent to seat inside when it’s cold outside with the real feel of the medieval age: decorations, table and atmosphere reminded me of the medieval theme movies. Food was more or less standard towards the whole North, and as far as I remember wasn’t anything special...

Bellapais Abbey is an impressive hilltop structure surrounded by the picturesque scenery of Cyprus. This beautiful monastery was founded in the 12th century and has since become one of the most impressive and important historical sites not only in Cyprus but throughout the Mediterranean.

The architecture of Bellapais Abbey is a historical work of art that perfectly combines Romanesque and Gothic elements. Luxurious details and beautiful patterns on the walls of the monastery will not leave anyone indifferent. Inside, an amazing interior opens up, which is decorated with original furniture and works of art.

Bellapais Abbey has been inhabited for centuries by monks who played an important role in the life of the local community. Today, the monastery is open to visitors and this allows them to enjoy this unique place with many cultural attractions and beautiful views of the entire surrounding landscape. If you haven't visited Bellapais Abbey yet, then you should definitely do so as it is one of the most extraordinary and beautiful...