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Bellapais Abbey

Bellapais is a charming village which is situated on the Besparmak (Five-Finger) mountains. The village is known for its historic monastery, which has unparalleled samples of Gothic Art. Its name today derives from the French "Abbaye de la paix", which means "The Peace Monastery".

The first settlers of the monastery are the priests of the Augustinian order who had migrated from Jerusalem. The first monastery building was constructed between 1198-1205. Most sections of the building which can be seen today was built by the French King Hugh III between 1267-1284. The pavilions around the courtyard and the refectory were constructed during the reign of King Hugh IV (1324-1359). After Cyprus was conquered by the Ottomans, the monastery was given to the Greek Orthodox Church. The church next to the courtyard is the part which is in the best condition.

Address: Beylerbeyi (Bellapais)