Major Towns, Cities and Villages in
North Cyprus (TRNC)

Bellapais Village

Only a few miles from Central Kyrenia - Girne, Bellapais a small but popular village. Bellapais, a stunningly beautiful village positioned four miles from the coast which sits within the Kyrenia mountain range.  This village is a must for any tourist to visit.

Bellapais has to be one of the most beautiful and tranquil villages of North Cyprus.

Nestled in the Kyrenia mountain range here you will find ancient buildings mingled with tiny cobbled streets and some of the most breathtaking views that North Cyprus has to offer. The main feature of Bellapais has to be the abbey which we will write about in more detail a little later.   At Bellapais village you will find vendors selling all kinds of souvenirs and helping to make Bellapais a truly unforgettable experience.  Bellapais was with Immortalised in the book ‘Bitter Lemons of Cyprus’ by Lawrence Durrell in the 1950’s, and little has changed to this day.

This is a place in Northern Cyprus where you will want to relax at  one of the small Cypriot coffee shops and maybe enjoy the feeling of a bygone age. Should you find yourself daydreaming follow the footsteps of Richard the Lion-heart, imagine walking along one of the crusader paths that criss-cross the mountain.  Bellapais a village that has so many items of interest such as the ‘Tree of idleness’ legend has it that whoever sat under the tree would find themselves lethargic, relaxed and unwilling to work.

When you visit Bellapais please note that there is no public transport and the most convenient way to visit would be to take a taxi or drive. Parking should not cause any problems as the village has two car parks.  

Bellapais Village:  Breathtaking views by day romantic views by night.  And so back to Bellapais Abbey, open to visitors of Northern Cyprus, welcoming you to explore. Why not visit on one of those special summer evenings, when Bellapais Abbey opens its doors and becomes the venue for classical music concerts

Bellapais Abbey – Abbaye de la Paix

Has to be one of North Cyprus’s architectural treasures.   Bellapais Abbey is an excellent example of Lusignan period Gothic architecture. Home to Augustinian monks, (approx 1187). Additional construction work took place under the reign of King Hugh III and once again during the reign of King Hugh IV.

Bellapais Abbey’s original occupants were The Order of Brothers of Premontre and gave the monastery the name Abbaye de la Paix. Later corrupted to Bella Paise and then it later became known Bellapaix finally to Bellapais the name it’s known by today.

This is a well maintained and preserved Abbey, should you visit you will be able to enjoy and explore all of its many areas of interest.
 

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