Bellapais Abbey is a superb Gothic monument, perched on the hill above the village of Ozanköy 3 miles east of Girne.

Founded in the 13th Century by the Augustinian order after their flight from Palestine after the fall of Jerusalem in 1187. For over 300 years the abbey had much influence and power. The gateway to the abbey was heavily fortified with moat and drawbridge, presumably to protect the abbots wealth in times of trouble. 

Within the abbey there is a picturesque courtyard with cloisters. Off three sides of the cloisters are the church, the refectory, and the monks chapter house.

Through the village of Beylerbeyi and down into Ozanköy runs the old "Crusader" road which was probably the original road to the abbey.

The village was made famous by the author Lawrence Durrell who lived in Beylerbeyi in the mid 1950's. His book "Bitter Lemons of Cyprus" describes the authors experiences living and teaching on the island during the rise of Greek calls for Enosis (or merger with Greece) and the beginnings of the troubles.

The Abbey hosts internationally famous classical music concerts in the refectory in spring and autumn. It is said to have the some of the best acoustics of any auditorium.