Route Leave Kyrenia by the coast road which runs east and almost immediately fork right for Bellapais Abbey (4 mile). A track maintained by the Department of Forests leads up from the village to Buffavento Castle. a strenuous walk for the really energetic traveller, but donkeys may be hired in the village. The castle is reached more easily from Nicosia and the south side of the mountain range.
An alternative route back to Kyrenia is to keep to the upper road, which joins the main Nicosia-Kyrenia highway. (Not open at time of going to press.)
For Nicosia turn left at this junction (16 mile plus.).
St Hilarion Castle can be visited by turning right about 1/2 mile along the Nicosia road. But an excursion combining these two sights is not recommended unless unavoidable because a thorough inspection of St Hilarion can be tiring if too hurried.
The custodian has an office near the entrance to the abbey. Opening hours Summer 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Winter 7.30 a.m. to dusk.
Almost immediately after leaving North Cyprus Kyrenia, fork right off coast road.
The village of Bellapais has such a beautiful situation and aspect on the gentler slopes of the Northern Cyprus that a visit to it would be memorable even if it did not possess the great Gothic abbey which is considered to be the finest of all the monuments of the Lusignan dynasty (opening hours above). This village became Lawrence Durrell's home when he came to Cyprus in 1953. He has written charmingly of its life in Bitter Lemons. The Tree of Idleness still exerts its insidious influence on all who sit in its shade, while oranges and lemons grow magically on a single tree in the forecourt of the church. New buildings in the village square and the more obtrusive Ambellia development scheme at a higher level will merge into the scene in due course, if only because trees and gardens establish themselves rapidly where there is no great shortage of water.
 |
Price: 109900 GBP Villa in Lapta North Cyprus |
|
|
|
|
| |
| Keywords - How You Can Find Us |
| Bellapis Abbey North Cyprus Kyrenia Bellapaix Abbey |
