Standing in a sheltered position and appearing almost stuck to the side of the Kyrenia mountain range, the facade of Bellapais Abbey is the distant sight that first fascinates visitors and draws them to explore this fascinating ancient Cypriot village. Now, in the Turkish part of the island, in Northern Cyprus, Bellapais has an interesting history, but it is the atmosphere of the place that continues to attract people, and not just the atmosphere in the abbey, but the whole town.

Surprisingly little is known of its early history, but it is likely that the abbey site was first occupied and that the village grew up around it. It has been suggested that the first construction could have dated to the 7th or 8th century, however the first documented occupation and construction on the site was by religious leaders who had fled Jerusalem in the late 12th century. The site offered them many benefits. If it was difficult to reach and almost impossible to do without being seen, it was also relatively easy to protect. In addition, its location on the mountainside guaranteed a reasonable supply of water and respite from the hotter weather. Originally called Belle Paix Abbey (the abbey of peace), this was gradually shortened to the present form.

Like Cyprus as a whole, Bellapais went through many changes under many rulers over the centuries. Although looted not infrequently, often just for building materials, the Abbey today is still in a remarkable state of preservation and still forms the heart of the village. In fact, it is now used as a stage for art exhibitions and concerts, and the annual Bellapais Music Festival attracts artists from around the world. However, anyone visiting the abbey should also spend a little time wandering the small streets around it. Winding in seemingly every direction, each twist and turn brings new views of ancient buildings and occasional glimpses of the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean. Most of the property here is still residential, although the small square and area around the abbey are home to several restaurants and small shops.

Apart from the abbey, Bellapais is probably best known for being the home for a time of author Lawrence Durrell, and the seemingly forever home of what is known as ‘the Tree of Idleness’. Durrell bought a house on one of the steep back streets, and it remains there to this day. He lovingly and amusingly wrote about his time here in the novel The Bitter Lemons of Cyprus, and the Tree of Idleness is mentioned many times. The tree itself has the magical property that anyone who sits and drinks under its branches will be “forever consumed by idleness.” The tree also has the magical property that no one is really sure of its location and since there are two trees that claim to be the genuine article, at least two restaurants have areas where you should presumably only sit if you plan on retiring!

Today, despite being somewhat ‘touristy’, Bellapais retains quite a remarkable atmosphere. The abbey seems to emanate an almost physical sense of peace and tranquility that seems to spread to its surroundings. Even in the restaurants and shops, there is a feeling that life is something to be savored and not rushed, and a meal here in the evening can be quite spectacular as the abbey is lit up at night and forms a stunning backdrop. background for a quiet dining experience. .

There are many reasons to choose a holiday in Northern Cyprus, but a visit to Bellapais should definitely not be missed if you do.