BELLAPAIS, KYRENIA DISTRICT, CYPRUS

GREEK VILLAGE IN CYPRUS, OCCUPIED ILLEGALLY BY THE TURKISH ARMY

TURKISH STATE TERRORISM AGAINST CYPRUS SINCE 1974

THE BELLAPAIS ABBEY

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Students of the GREEK High School of Kyrenia visiting the Bellapais Abbey in Bellapais village, Kyrenia district Cyprus - before 1974 barbaric Turkish invasion. Click to enlarge.

ILLEGALLY Occupied by Turkish Troops since 1974

Bellapais has been captured by the Turkish army after Turkey attacked CYPRUS July 20, 1974. All Greek Cypriots inhabitants were forced out by Turkish military forces and are now refugees in their own country.
NEVER FORGETTING, they are waiting for the holy day of RETURN.

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A view of the interior of the ancient Abbey of Bellapais. You can see the Corinthian style column in the middle of the photo.

The whole condition of the Abbey remained surprisingly good over the centuries despite the hot summers and strong winter winds.

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A view of the interior of the ancient Abbey of Bellapais. You can see the ancient grave made of marble with the special emblems of the Augustinian order engraved on it. You can also see the beautiful Gothic architecture of the Abbey.

The whole condition of the Abbey remained surprisingly good over the centuries despite the hot summers and strong winter winds.

Click on image to enlarge.

Basement of Bellapais Abbey. The Bellapais Abbey was used temporarily as hospital for the wounded during the 1974 Turkish barbaric invasion. 

After Kyrenia Hospital was brutally bombarded by turkish planes, and then captured, Kyrenia Hospital personnel moved to Bellapais Abbey and treated the wounded. Soon after, the hospital moved again, and Bellapais fell under turkish occupation.

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ILLEGALLY Occupied by Turkish Troops since 1974

Old French Dynasty Emblems on the walls of Bellapais Abbey.

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Gothic and French Architecture of the 14th century in Bellapais Abbey.

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The French King Hugh III between 1267-1284 built most sections of the building as seen today. The pavilions around the courtyard and the refectory were constructed during the reign of King Hugh IV (1324-1359).

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.

Yard of Bellapais abbey and view of Bellapais village and Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox church.

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ILLEGALLY Occupied by Turkish Troops since 1974