Sümela Monastery

According to the legend for Sumela Monastery, which is known to have maintained its existence since the 13th century, said to be built by two priests from Athens, named Barnabas and Sophranios, during the time of the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius I (375-395). Sumela Monastery is located in Maçka district of Trabzon. The monastery, also known as the 'Virgin Mary', was built on a steep cliff. To go to this monastery, which has become the symbol of Trabzon, stairs about 300 meters high from the valley must be climbed. The Ottoman sultans have protected the right of Sumela as they did in many other monasteries. In the 18th century, some walls of the monastery, after many parts were renovated, were decorated with frescoes. In the 19th century, the glory of Sumela is joined by new sections, which are annexed to the monastery. In the 19th century, the monastery's took it’s latest shape and it’s richest and brightest period took place during this period. The Sumela Monastery, which local and foreign tourists most definitely visit on the tour of Black Sea, was confiscated during the Russian occupation (1916-1918) and completely evacuated after 1923. The Ana Kaya (Bedrock) Church, several chapels, kitchens, student rooms, guesthouses, libraries and Holy Ayazma in The Sumela Monastery are decorated with frescoes. Biblical scenes depicted in the frescoes, which were removed from the monastery, and depictions of jesus and the life of the Virgin Mary were depicted in the works.