AAAC
A source that made life possible
at Bellapais Abbey...
THE SPRING
A perpetual spring issues from beneath the abbey on the north side. It flows
along an open channel and into a large irrigation tank at the bottom of
the cliff. To see the spring, follow the Crusader Road down past the
Bellapais Gardens complex, but where the road bears left, proceed downwards,
where some steps into the gardens will be seen. Near the foot of the steps
go to the right where a tunnel will be found to enter the base of the cliff. A torch is very helpful for
these investigations but light from the mouth of the tunnel is usually just
sufficient to illuminate the trough, the front surface of which is carved
with a triple arcade pierced by spouts. On either side of the design are
small shields.Note, April 2011: There has been maintenance inside (picture below) and you don't need a torch anymore. The basin has been restored and cleaned. It's still a beautiful and fascinating place - despite the electric lights - you step into the Middle Ages there!
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