Idling Around the Abbey in Bellapais, Cyprus
Bellapais Abbey was built in the 13th century as a refuge for churchmen fleeing Palestine. But by the 14th century, it had developed a scandalous reputation, the lazy friars known more for their concubines and nepotism than their devotion to God. These days, the abbey still wallows in blissful indolence, set in a picturesque square amongst cypress, palms, and bushy orange trees sporting noticeably gnarly fruit. While wandering through the chapel and cloisters—admiring stern icons, high, ribbed ceilings, and an impressively Gothic wooden pulpit—it's hard not to be charmed by the smug atmosphere of contentment. Just over the way is the Tree of Idleness, made famous in Lawrence Durrell's book, Bitter Lemons of Cyprus. It is said that those who take their coffee under the tree will never get any work done. It's easy to see why.
By Nick Rowlands | Photo: Nick Rowlands | Feedback