Bellapais was founded in the 13th century by Aimery de Lusignan and consecrated as the Abbey of St. Mary of the Mountain. The main building, cloisters and refectory were built during the Lusignan period, with King Hugh IV even living in the abbey and having apartments built for his use. It's located about 7 km from Kyrenia. Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (7 p.m. June until mid-September) Ticket (standard): €2.5 How to go: If you're on the Greek side of Cyprus the easiest way is to go on a tour (see Moving around Cyprus for more information).
According to legend, Martim Moniz was a knight in D. Afonso Henrique's army during the city's reconquest in 1147 (D. Afonso Henriques was the first king of Portugal). Seeing one of the gates open he threw himself into the breach, allowing for the invading army to enter at the cost of his own life. Martim Moniz square results from the demolition of Lower Mouraria in the mid 20th century, including the street after which the square is named. Only the chapel of Our Lady of Good Health survived the demolition. In the 90s the city council decided to make the toponym official and maintain the homage to the hero of questionable existence. During many years the square looked very degraded, until 2012, when the city council decided to renovate, adding new kiosks and esplanades. This square is also known as Lisbon's Chinatown, due to the existence of many Chinese and Indian shopkeepers. The fountain is a reference to the old wall, of which only an unrecognizable tower rem...
Tavira's old market was inaugurated in 1887 and was used as a market until 1999. It was then restored and remodelled to house a set of traditional shops and restaurants and to be used as a cultural centre. Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
(Map of Alfama at the end) Alfama is the oldest and most typical neighborhood in Lisbon. Its name comes from the Ara bic "al hamman ", mea ning the baths or fountains, a reminder that this neighborhood was once the main supplier of water to the city. During Moorish domination, Alfama, togeth er with the castle, constituted the whole of the city. It was divided in two, a more aristocratic upper Alfama, within the Moorish walls, and a more popular riverside Alfama (Alfama Mar). With the Christian conquest of Lisbon, Alfama spread to the east while the city spread to the west, to Baixa neighborhood. Decline begun in the Middle Ages when the wealthier part of the population abandoned the neighborhood and moved west, leaving it to the fishermen and the poor. Unlike in other parts of the city, most houses resisted the 1755 earthquake, and the neighborhood maintained its medieval layout, so although none of the houses dates back to that period, wandering through Al...
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