The Bellapais Monastery:
The monastery, one of the unparalleled samples of Gothic Art,
is situated on the flanks of the Five-finger (Kyrenia) Mountains. 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. The Italian
frescoes on the front walls were made in the 15th century. The two marble
tombs in the courtyard were used as washbasins by the priests for some
time. On the door behind the tombs the insignia of the Jerusalem, Lusignan,
and Cyprus Kingdoms are fixed. The refectory of the monastery is also an
example of unequalled Gothic Art. The rooms to the east of the courtyard
in the middle, belonged to the priests. The column in the middle of the
council chamber is thought to have belonged to the early Byzantine Church.
The dormitories of the priests and the chamber of accounts are on the upper
floor.
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