This beautiful Abbey was built in medieval times and sits on a ridge at the foot of the mountains above the busy town of Kyrenia (Girne). It is built in the Gothic style and is now a popular attraction for visitors to the island. I have always been drawn to this place even though not much of it is left. There is a peacefulness here and some nice restaurants/cafes to sit and enjoy the sea air. The Abbey looks towards the Mediterranean below it and has a small village now built around it, also very peaceful and far from the crowd. I can imagine it is much busier in the summer so I’m glad I took the opportunity to revisit, now, in the springtime.

The Abbey has had a few names throughout its history: “Our Blessed Lady of the Mountains”, “L’Abbaye Blanche” (the White Abbey) and “Abbaye de la Paix” which was corrupted to Bellapaise by the Venetians. It was visited by artists, poets and musicians during Lusignan times.

Apparently, a French knight donated a piece of the ‘True Cross’ when returning from the Crusades but I highly doubt this! Nevertheless, many pilgrims came to pray and the Abbey became very wealthy at its peak. Unfortunately, the Abbey was looted around the 14th Century and slowly fell into disrepair.

It is now a museum and the admission price is around £2.50, a bargain. Bellapais is by far the most beautiful old Abbey in Northern Cyprus. Whoever worshipped and stayed here certainly left a tranquil, magnetic quality to it.

I hope you enjoyed going back in time with me, God Bless.