Description of the attraction
On the territory of the northern (Turkish) part of Cyprus, a small village of Bellapais is located a few kilometers from the city of Kyrenia. The main attraction of this village is the Bellapais Abbey, a monastery created for the Augustinian monks, but later transferred to their brothers from the Premonstrant Order. Its construction was carried out in several stages: it began back in 1198, but the main premises were erected in the 13th century by order of King Hugo III of Lusignan, and already in the 14th century, thanks to his successor, a pavilion and a refectory made in the Gothic style appeared, and the courtyard of the abbey was also equipped.
In 1246, Sir Roger of Norman gave the monastery a fragment of the True Cross, as well as 600 gold coins - bezants - in exchange for the prayers of the monks for the salvation of the soul of Roger of Norman himself and his wife, Lady Alix. Unfortunately, this precious relic that made the abbey world famous was lost after the monastery was sacked during the Genoese invasion of Bellapais. Soon the monks themselves left this place.
Now the abbey is a dilapidated complex, of which the church, located at the very entrance, as well as the dormitories where the monks lived, and the counting chamber are best preserved.
Despite the fact that at the moment only ruins remain from the monastery, there is a museum on its territory, as well as a restaurant and cafe where you can taste local cuisine. In addition, a music festival is held annually in the acoustically excellent dining room.
