Bellapais Abbey
Bellapais Manastırı
The ruins of a 13th-century Gothic abbey on a hillside. Its cloister arches frame sea views, making it one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in Cyprus.
Bellapais Abbey was built by Augustinian friars during the Lusignan period in the 13th and 14th centuries. It stands on a hillside about 5 km southeast of Kyrenia. The church, cloister and refectory are relatively well preserved. From the refectory’s large windows and the cloister arches, you can see the coastline below. The village of Bellapais, where the abbey stands, is also famous. British writer Lawrence Durrell lived here, and the “Lazy Tree” café he wrote about still exists. Admission is inexpensive. The light is best in the evening, and concerts are often held in the refectory in spring and summer.
Opening hours
About 9:00–19:00 (closes earlier in winter)
Nearby sights
- Hazreti Ömer Tomb
- Kyrenia Castle & Shipwreck Museum
- Kyrenia Harbour
- Archangel Michael Icon Museum
- Buffavento Castle
- St. Hilarion Castle
- Karmi (Karaman) Village
- Escape Beach