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).
Praça da República is the main square in Tomar and where the Town Hall and the Church of Saint John the Baptist are located. Both buildings were gifted to the city by D. Manuel I, King of Portugal and Grand Master of the Order of Christ (16th century). The statue in the centre belongs to D. Gualdim Pais, fourth Grand Master of the Knights Templar in Portugal and founder of the city, who ordered the construction of the castle , the Convent of the Christ and the church of Santa Maria do Olival, a burial ground for the knights templar. Back to Tomar
The land where the Grote Markt stands was donated to the city in 1220 by Duke Henry I of Brabant. Soon after the first annual markets, also known as the Brabant Fairs, were organised. At the end of the 15th centuryAntwerp became the most prominent city of the Low Countries, with merchants arriving from England, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the Northern German Hanseatic cities. The centrepiece of the square is a large fountain, known as the Brabo Fountain. It was built in 1887 and according to legend, Brabo was a local hero who killed the giant Antigoon and cut off his head and hands. The giant was demanding a high toll to each ship that wanted to enter the city. The square is surrounded by 16th-century Guildhalls, restaurants and cafes. In Winter it hosts the Christmas Market and an ice rink.
The old chapel of Our Lady of Piety dates back to the 18th century and was built to replace a previous chapel destroyed by the Great Earthquake of 1755. The statue of the patron saint is from the 17th century. The new chapel, standing right beside the old one, was inaugurated in 1995. The centuries-old cult of the Sovereign Mother reaches its peak on the second Sunday after Easter, when a group of man carry the effigy back up the steep path to the chapel. It is brought down from the hill to the city on Easter Sunday. Opening hours : Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 17:00 (Winter) 18:00 (Summer) Entrance free
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