Bellapais Village North Cyprus

Bella paix, Monastery of Bellapis North Cyprus Kyrenia

If you feel like a moment of relaxation, away from the pressures of everyday life, there is nowhere better, in my view, than to stroll through the streets of Bellapais North Cyprus, and on to the peace and tranquillity of the Abbey itself. Choose a quiet time, avoiding the weekends and high season, if you can, when locals and tour companies alike tend to descend upon the picturesque spot like a flock of birds. I have been lucky enough, on several occasions, to find myself totally alone, meandering through the ancient site and believing that I hear the steps of the "white monks" scurrying along about their duties, or whispering urgently among the great eaves of the ancient Refectory. Although there is a car park directly adjacent to Bellapais Abbey North Cyprus, it may be wise to park on the outskirts of the village and walk the few hundred metres in to the centre itself. Then you will be able to experience the ambience created by the narrow streets, and see what the village itself has to offer. Bellapais North Cyprus occupies a sloping natural terrace overlooking the sea, on the road inland and uphill from Ozankoy North Cyprus

SYMPATHETIC RESTORATION Walking through the narrow main street, up towards the Abbey itself, I get the feeling that Bellapais North Cyprus, as a village, has smartened itself up. Whilst obviously targeting the tourist trade, there has also been a concerted effort to provide a certain international air of quality, yet still retaining the ethnic atmosphere that Gerald Durrell found so appealing when he first settled here. During the mid-1950's, when the writer himself brought interest to the area, I would imagine that the buildings and facades were in a far more sorry state than they are today. Crumbling facades have been restored and cleaned; inviting restaurants, cafes, small exclusive hotels and holiday accommodation sit happily and unobtrusively among the tenanted buildings and family homes of old Bellapais North Cyprus. As I walk the slow pace of a local in the summer heat, I feel Chameleon like, tip-toeing up the dappled asphalt road, sidestepping into the shade as the traffic tries to negotiate its way through the single thoroughfares. Apart from the occasional engine noise, all is quiet.

ST. MARY OF THE MOUNTAIN At the brow of the hill, at the north east of the village, the vista opens. The first astonishing glimpse of the Abbey can be seen, perched sentry-like on the cliff plateau, yet nestling in the lea of the mountains, like a babe in arms. It is as if nature itself is protecting something of beauty. I can well understand why the Abbey was originally founded and named as " St. Mary of the Mountain", just after 1200, by Augustinian Canons fleeing Palestine. It was the Lusignan King Hugh III who endowed the Abbey, and succeeding Lusignan Kings who were its benefactors, and who lived there. For many years it was known as "Abbaye de la Pais" (Abbey of Peace), and the name was eventually corrupted by the Venetians to "De la Pais", which later became Bellapais North Cyprus.

GOTHIC AMBIENCE Let us enter the Abbey grounds then, through the low gate (a small entrance fee is charged) and approach through the promenade of exotic palm trees. Immediately you are struck by the Gothic ambience of the place as you walk through the fourteenth century cloisters, watched overhead by the carved heads of both humans and gargoyles. The central courtyard dominates the scene, while heady and robust Cypress trees tower loftily into the sky above, casting their shadows on to the tended borders and crafted lawns below. The contrast of light and dark is startling. As is the silence. Travel up the outside stairway which leads to the upstairs parapet. There you will see the Abbey in its entirety, from the ruined Chapter house at the east of the cloister, onwards across to the north, where the wonderful Refectory beckons you to investigate further.

THE REFECTORY On the north side of the cloister you will come across a Roman sarcophagus which the monks used as a washbasin as they prepared for refreshment in the magnificent and high-vaulted Refectory. Enter through the large wooden doors into an airy haven, where six bay windows frame the sea. The only sounds will be breeze wafting through the large openings, even on a breathless summer's day, and as you move from intense light to darkness. Gradually your eyes will become accustomed to the gentle glow of five dim chandeliers, and the intricately carved pulpit and Bishop's throne will suddenly materialise like a castle through mist. It is much as it was when they left it in 1976. As you leave the Church by the way you entered you may be reminded that, underfoot, several Lusignan Kings are thought to be entombed beneath the floor pavement. And so, at the end of our journey, why not tike refreshment at a nearby restaurant or cafe? Back, once more, to the modern day where we can while away the hours in the grounds of the Abbey at the Kybele Restaurant North Cyprus, hunt for souvenirs and gifts across the road at the little shops opposite the Abbey, or eat and drink at The Tree of Idleness or Abbey Bell-tower. Wherever we decide to linger, Bellapais Abbey and its wonderful location will be dominant, and ever watchful. It is one of those places that will remain in your memory for a long time, as a thing of beauty on this earth.

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