Bellapais Abbey is by virtue of its situation and its architecture, one of the most beautiful monuments in Cyprus. Set in traditional Cypriot village, Bellapais is legendary for its architectural beauty. Unique architectural monument of world significance, Bellapais Abbey is located at an altitude of 210 meters in the foothills Besparmak mountain range, east of the town of Kyrenia. Abbey is considered a fine example of Gothic architecture, one of best options presented in the Middle East region. Tourists from all over the world come to this hallowed spot wed, or simply to stroll through the narrow lanes of village and see life of traditional Cyprus settlement, dine at one of the many restaurants and try national food.
First monks who settled here were Augustinians, they were forced to leave Jerusalem after the defeat of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and surrender of Christians. The date of foundation of the Abbey de la Faye, which it was first called, is considered to be the period between 1198 and 1205, was the first king of the dynasty of Cyprus de Lusignan. The place was carefully chosen: elevated position offers amazing and uninterrupted views of the sea and the coast as well as mountain range.
The rise and prosperity of the abbey occurred during the reign of Hugh III, who was the king of Cyprus in 1267 and King of Jerusalem from 1268. During his reign Bellapais abbots had the privilege of wearing the miter headdress, which was part of Christian clergy vestments, carry gold swords and golden spurs. In its heyday, the Abbey accommodated up to 50 monks. Generous donations were frequently made from the wealthy parishioners including piece of the True Cross, a gift from the French crusading knight.
Hugh III died in 1267, and it is believed that he was buried in Bellapais.
In 1373, sparkling treasures and wealth of Bellapais attracted the attention of the Genoese, who completely looted Abbey. This was the beginning of Abbey’s moral and physical decline and strict laws of monastic life were forgotten, and in 1570, the monastery ultimately came to naught, when the island was captured by the Ottoman Empire. However, when many churches and monasteries of Cyprus were transferred under the control of the Catholic church, the Abbey resumed its masses up until 1974. Time and weather conditions have not been merciful to many buildings of the monastery, however some of the buildings appear to tourists in its original form.
Bellapais Abbey still retains an air of holiness, and as in former times, today is filled with pilgrims and tourists, and it is not difficult to imagine barefoot monks bowing their heads in prayer and waiting for a miracle.
