Made famous by the author Lawrence Durrell in his classic novel ‘Bitter Lemons of Cyprus’, the beautiful and timeless village of Bellapais is truly a ‘must see’ during any holiday to Northern Cyprus. Of all the villages charms and attractions, Bellapais Abbey stands out above all else. One of the best-preserved and most elegant excellent examples anywhere of Lusignan period Gothic architecture, it seems to bring an atmosphere of calm to the village.
The site of Bellapais Abbey was originally home to a group of Augustinian monks, known as The Order of Brothers of Premontre, from around 1187AD. Construction of the first substantial building here took around seven years, starting in approximately 1198AD. Further significant construction took place between 1267 and 1284 (in the reign of Hugh III of France) and further between 1324 and 1359 (in the reign of Hugh IV). The Abbey was first known as the Abbaye de la Paix, the name being changed to Bella Paise during the Venetian rule of Cyprus and later to Bellapaix before finally changing to Bellapais Abbey as it is known today. The history of Bellapais and the abbey is as convoluted as that of Cyprus as a whole. The Lusignan monarchs held the abbey in great esteem and was said to have held a fragment of the true cross, but when the Genoese overran the island of Cyprus in 1373, the prominence of the abbey became lesser. Its treasures were plundered and the order of monks fell into decline, both physical and moral. Following the Ottoman conquest of the island around 1750, the monastery, as it was then, was given over for the use of the Greek Orthodox Church, the monks being summarily evicted. The abbey remained under the protection of the church until the division of the island in 1974. The site houses a superb chapel, complete with stunning iconography.
Like most ancient, monumental buildings in the Mediterranean region, Bellapais Abbey was treated as a source of building materials for inhabitants of the surrounding villages. Nevertheless, its location and the sheer scale of construction has resulted in much of the abbey remaining in a remarkable condition. Perched high in the mountains, the site must originally have been chosen at least in part as a result of the unrivalled, uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean coast of Northern Cyprus. This is perfectly evident today, as the upper part of the abbey is open to visitors and offers breath-taking views of the surrounding areas and Northern Cyprus’ Mediterranean coastline beyond. Any doubts about the abbey's magnificence and appeal will be rapidly dispelled by a visit at night. The whole structure is lit from below and towers majestically above its surroundings. Visit the abbey during the day and for a small entrance fee you will be able to enjoy the whole building. Watch out for intricate stone carvings, delicate murals, impressive columns and the familiar eighteen arches. Brochures and details of the abbey are available from the tourist information centre on site. Bellapais Abbey is easily reachable from of the North Cyprus hotels and is only a few miles from Kyrenia and the coast. Public transport does not usually operate into the village, but taxis are readily available and there is a good-sized car park at the base of the abbey. If you are driving, watch out for the village’s narrow streets and be prepared for a bit of unexpected reversing on occasion! Northern Cyprus itself is nowadays easy to visit. There are plenty of excellent North Cyprus hotels and travel to Northern Cyprus is straight forward to book.
The abbey remains in constant use today and the substantial refectory makes a wonderful and atmospheric venue for recitals. The world renowned ‘Bellapais Music Festival’ is held here annually and attracts a raft of famous musician, but the halls and areas are also often used to house painting, sculpture and photography exhibitions. An evening of opera in the shadows of the building is truly a night to remember, as is a meal in one of the nearby restaurants. Above all, visitors comment most that the abbey seems to have an atmosphere of peace and serenity so powerful that you feel you can reach out and touch it. Perhaps it remains best described in Durrell's own words; "Bellapaix, even in ruins, was a testimony to those who had tried, however imperfectly, to grasp and retain their grip on the inner substance of the imagination, which resides in thought, in contemplation, in peace".
Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Richard Bowles
|
