Sumela Monastery

The Sumela Monastery is a historic Greek Orthodox monastery located in the Pontic Mountains, in the Maçka district of Trabzon Province in modern Turkey. It is nestled in a steep cliff at an elevation of about 1,200 metres facing the Altındere valley and is a site of great historical and cultural significance, as well as a major tourist attraction within Altındere National Park. The monastery has a long history dating back to the 4th century AD and has been restored and enlarged several times over the centuries. It features beautiful frescoes dating from the 18th century, depicting biblical scenes of Christ and Virgin Mary. The monastery also has a library, a bell tower, and several chapels, including the Cave Church, which is covered in murals. The monastery is one of the most important historic and touristic venues in Trabzon