Bellapais Abbey (Αββαείο Μπελαπάις) is the spectacular ruin of a 13th-century monastery located in the Kyrenia mountain range of Northern Cyprus. Its name translates to “The Abbey of Peace” (Abbaye de la Paix), a fitting title for this serene and beautiful site. Built by canons regular of the Premonstratensian order, the abbey is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, offering a breathtaking combination of ornate stonework, graceful arches, and stunning panoramic views of the town of Kyrenia and the Mediterranean Sea below. It is one of the most beautiful and evocative historical sites on the island.

Name and Address

• Name: Bellapais Abbey.
• Address: Located in the village of Bellapais, just south of the city of Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus.

How to Get There

The abbey is a major landmark in the Kyrenia region and is easy to reach from the main city.

• By Car/Taxi (Recommended): This is the most convenient method. The abbey is a short and scenic 10-15 minute drive up into the mountains from the center of Kyrenia. Taxis are readily available, and there is parking at the site.
• By Minibus (Dolmuş): Local minibuses run from Kyrenia to Bellapais village, offering a more budget-friendly option.
• Visitor Tip: The village of Bellapais itself is very charming, with traditional houses, small cafes, and restaurants. It’s worth allowing extra time to explore the village before or after your visit to the abbey. The site is particularly beautiful in the late afternoon light.

Landscape and Architecture

The landscape is a stunning mountainside setting, and the architecture is a sublime example of French Gothic art transplanted to the Levant.

• Mountain Setting: The abbey is perched on a natural terrace in the foothills of the Kyrenia mountain range. This elevated position provides one of the most spectacular panoramic views in all of Cyprus, looking down over the coastal plain, the city of Kyrenia, and the sea.
• Gothic Architecture: The complex is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. The most well-preserved and impressive parts include:
  • The Abbey Church: A 13th-century church that is still largely intact and located at the entrance to the site.
  • The Cloister: A beautiful courtyard surrounded by 18 graceful arches, offering a peaceful, contemplative space.
  • The Refectory: This is arguably the most spectacular part of the abbey. It is a grand, vaulted hall with a high ceiling and an intact pulpit. Its sheer size and architectural elegance are breathtaking. The large windows at the northern end perfectly frame the coastal view.
• Architectural Features: Visitors can explore the various parts of the monastic complex, including the chapter house, the undercroft (storage rooms), and the kitchen. The intricate stone carvings, elegant arches, and the sheer scale of the buildings are a testament to the skill of its medieval builders.

What Makes It Famous

Bellapais Abbey is famous for its romantic beauty, its magnificent state of preservation, and its connection to a famous literary figure.

• A Masterpiece of Gothic Architecture: It is renowned as one of the most beautiful and well-preserved examples of Gothic monastic architecture in the Eastern Mediterranean. The refectory, in particular, is considered a triumph of the style.
• Breathtaking Views: The abbey’s location offers what many consider to be the most stunning view in Northern Cyprus. The sight of the Gothic arches framing the blue Mediterranean is an iconic and unforgettable image.
• Lawrence Durrell and “Bitter Lemons of Cyprus”: The abbey and the village of Bellapais were made famous by the British author Lawrence Durrell, who lived here in the 1950s. His celebrated memoir, Bitter Lemons of Cyprus, beautifully captures the atmosphere of the village and the abbey, drawing literary pilgrims to the site.
• Cultural Venue: The grand refectory is used today as a venue for classical music concerts and festivals, its superb acoustics and stunning setting creating a magical atmosphere for performances.

Differences from Other Wonders

Bellapais Abbey offers a unique experience that is distinct from the military fortresses and ancient cities of Cyprus.

• A Monastic Sanctuary vs. a Military Fortress: The primary purpose of Bellapais was religious and contemplative, not military. This is a complete contrast to the formidable defensive structures of Kyrenia Castle or Kolossi Castle. Bellapais was designed for peace and worship, and its architecture reflects this with its open, elegant, and light-filled spaces.
• Gothic Elegance vs. Roman Grandeur: The architectural style is pure European Gothic. This is very different from the Greco-Roman ruins of Ancient Kourion or the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park. It tells the story of the Crusader-era Lusignan Kingdom and its deep connections to France, rather than the island’s classical past.
• A Ruin of Serene Beauty: While it is a ruin, it is a remarkably complete and beautiful one. The experience is one of romantic melancholy and aesthetic appreciation, different from the purely historical or archaeological focus of sites like the Tombs of the Kings.
• A Mountain Retreat vs. a Coastal Port: Its location high in the mountains provides a completely different atmosphere from the coastal castles and archaeological sites. It is a cool, green retreat, offering a sense of removal and tranquility that is unique among the major historical sites of Cyprus.