Overview:

Sumela Monastery, also known as the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, is an ancient Greek Orthodox monastery perched high on a steep cliff on the slopes of the Pontic Mountains, located near the city of Trabzon in northeastern Turkey. The Monastery, one of the most visited tourist sites in Turkey, was founded in the 4th century AD by two priest-monks, Barnabas and Sophronius. The main feature of the monastery is the stunning main chapel, decorated with stunning Byzantine frescoes, depicting scenes from the Bible. The monastery is a symbol of ancient Christian faith in Turkey and remains an important pilgrimage site. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey
Prominent Features:

1. Sumela Monastery is an Orthodox Greek monastery situated in the mountains of Altindere, in the Trabzon province of Turkey. 2. It was built in the 4th century AD and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. 3. The monastery is carved out of a steep cliff and is surrounded by dense forests. 4. An important feature of the monastery is a big pipe-organ, the only such instrument in Turkey. 5. The church building is elaborately decorated with frescoes, gospel scenes and saints painted in vivid colors, which date back to the 11th century. 6. The monastery also has a variety of rooms, including sleeping quarters, a refectory and a bell-tower. 7. On the lower slope of the hill is the fountain of Kallikrates which is believed to be the source of holy water. 8. The monastery was abandoned in 1923 during the population exchange between Turkey and Greece, but reopened in the 1970s when conservation efforts began. 9. It is now an important pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkey.

History:

Sumela Monastery is a Greek Orthodox monastery built in the 4th century and located in the Trabzon province of Turkey. Its location high in a cliff overlooking the Altındere valley has made it a popular tourist destination, and its frescoes depicting Jesus, Mary, and the saints have made it famous worldwide. The monastery has been the focus of intense academic interest in its recent history. The monastery is thought to have been established in the 4th century, during the reign of one of the earliest emperors of the Eastern Roman empire, Theodosius I (379-395). It flourished during the reign of the Byzantine emperors, with several prominent monks being associated with it. In 1058, during the reign of Impērator Basileios Porphyrogenitus, the monastery was renovated and included a school, which taught students medicine, philosophy and theology. The monastery remained active throughout the Ottoman period, although it experienced several periods of decline and destruction. During the 13th century, the monastery was captured by the Komnena dynasty, destroying some of the frescoes in the process. In the late 15th century, a Turkish commander pillaged the monastery and destroyed most of its artwork. However, the monastery was continually rebuilt and the decorating and painting were restored, much of which still holds today. During the 19th century, Sumela flourished and attracted many pilgrims. It was visited by many foreign travelers as well, including painter Edward Lear who was so inspired by the monastery that he created a detailed painting of it. However, during the early 20th century, Sumela experienced further decline and many of its utility rooms, icons, and decorations were destroyed. It was finally abandoned during the Turkish War of Independence in 1924, and since then, it has remained a ruined and desolate site. In recent years, however, the Turkish government has undertaken efforts to restore and prepare the monastery for visitors including stabilizing archeological remains and renovation of the frescoes in the chapel. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkey with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Sumela Monastery is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Turkey. It was built in the 4th century AD and is named after the Virgin Mary, who according to legend is said to have come to live in the nearby cave. 2. Built high up in the Maçka region of Trabzon Province, Sumela is perched on a rocky outcrop at a staggering 1,200 meters above sea level and overlooks a magnificent valley. 3. The monastery was built by two Greek monks – Barnabas and Sophronius – and was renowned for its many ancient icons. 4. The monastery was a popular pilgrimage site for centuries and was once an important center of Orthodox Christianity. 5. It was sadly burned down by invading forces in 1923 following the population exchange between Greece and Turkey. 6. In 2015, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced it was to restore and reopen the monastery to tourists. 7. Sumela Monastery was the most important monastery in the Byzantium era and is often called an architectural feat. 8. At one time there were over 1,100 Greek-origin monks living in the monastery, however following the population exchange in 1923, the population dwindled to just seven. 9. The monastery was also home to a school of over 200 students. 10. The stunning monastery attracts visitors from around the world, and continues to inspire awe and reverence in those who visit. One of the historical monuments of Turkey, it tells the story of a bygone era