We use cookies to ensure the best performance and user experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Learn More
0

Sumela Monastery / Religious tourism in Turkey

Located within the Altindere Village of Trabzon's borders, you can find Sumela Monastery, one of the Black Sea Region's most important cultural assets.

Located within the Altindere Village of Trabzon's borders, you can find Sumela Monastery, one of the Black Sea Region's most important cultural assets.

Known as the "Virgin Mary" among the people, the monastery is 300 meters above the Altindere Valley.

According to legend, a monastery was founded by two priests named Barnabas and Sophranios from Athens during the time of Byzantine Emperor Theodosius I (375-395). It was repaired by one of his generals, Belisarios after Emperor Justinianus asked the monastery to fix and expanded in the 6th century. Since the 13th century, the monastery is still to exist.
Since the Ottoman empire had already owned many monasteries, it was only a matter of time before they could add the Sumela monastery.

Many parts of the Sumela Monastery were renovated in the 18th century, and some walls were decorated with frescoes. With large buildings in the 19th century, the monastery gained a magnificent appearance and lived its richest and brightest period. The monastery took its latest form during this period. During the Russian occupation of Trabzon between 1916-1918, the monastery was seized and completely evacuated after 1923.

Main sections of Sümela Monastery; Rock church, several chapels, kitchens, classes, guest house, library, and the holy spring. These buildings were built in a very large area. The large aqueduct, apparently bringing water at the monastery entrance, leans on the slope. Most of this multi-eyed belt is destroyed. A long narrow staircase reaches the main entrance of the monastery. There are guardrooms next to the entrance door. From here, a staircase leads down to the inner courtyard. On the left, there are various buildings in front of the cave that represents the monastery that later turned into a church and the library on the right. Again on the right, the area with a large balcony covering the front of the edge was used as monk rooms and guest rooms aback in 1860. Turkish art can also be seen in the courtyard buildings with cabinets, cells, and stoves in the rooms. 


With the frescoes removed from time to time in the Sumela Monastery have scenes from the Bible. They are depictions of the life of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.

14 June 2023
Vezirbridge Şahinkaya Canyon Natural Park’s Impressing View
Vezirbridge Şahinkaya Canyon Natural Park’s Impressing View Vezirbridge Şahinkaya Canyon Natural Park, which has many natural beauties and many wild animals, impresses those witness its beauty. Şahinkaya Canyon, located within the boundaries of Vezirbridge district of Samsun, was announced as a Natural Park in 2015. The primary source of the area is the canyon located in a reservoir upstream. Read more
24 March 2023
Best Places to Live in Turkey
Best Places to Live in Turkey Turkey is a popular country among tourists and foreigners who want to have an enjoyable vacation or buy a second home to settle in. It is a unique country with four seas around the country which have amazing natural beaches. The country offers numerous features including all kinds of fresh food, various climate conditions and a rich history. Read more
29 August 2023
Sultan Ahmet Mosque
Sultan Ahmet Mosque Sultan Ahmet Mosque became the main mosque of Istanbul when Hagia Sophia was converted from a mosque to a museum in 1935. Read more
26 April 2023
What is S.G.K?
What is S.G.K? S.G.K., or to give it its full name, is Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu is the Turkish government's healthcare program. Health care is compulsory in Turkey for people aged 18 to 65 who want to apply for a residency permit Read more
25 September 2023
Road Trip through Turkey's Highlights
Road Trip through Turkey's Highlights Istanbul is a beautiful but hectic place to visit so if you fancy trying somewhere a bit quieter then head east Read more