Nestled in
the delightful village of Bellapais, high in the Five Finger
Mountains, is the Bellapais Abbey. The name Bellapais is
said to derive from the French “Abbaye de la paix” meaning
‘Monastery of Peace’.
The Bellapais Abbey was originally established by
Augustinian monks arriving from Jerusalem, who began
constructing the first buildings here in 1198. Much of what
we can see today was built by the Lusignans, including the
magnificent Gothic refectory and cloisters. Although the
Monastery subsequently enjoyed a rise to prominence as an
important religious relic, its treasury was plundered when
the Genovese invaded in 1373, marking a rapid decline in the
monastery’s fortunes. Following the Ottoman conquest of
Cyprus, the building was given to the Greek Orthodox Church
who built the 13th Century Abbey which you can see today.
These monks are said to have integrated into village life
and that some families who live there today are part of that
ancestry, but the building later fell into disrepair and the
grounds were used for animal grazing. However, it has
undergone an extensive series of repairs since the 1960s,
restoring it to days reminiscent of its former glory.
The Bellapais Abbey is extremely atmospheric and you will
enjoy exploring the ruins, great Gothic arches and soaring
stone walls. Enter the gateway and discover the Abbey
Church, old cellars and kitchens with the crypt below and
cloisters where four huge cypress trees tower high above,
creating a glorious and arresting tableau. Wander amongst
the ruins into the refectory, a grand hall where the
original pulpit still remains. The six enormous windows
offer a glorious view across the rolling hills and shoreline
below.