What is sumela manastiri?

Sumela Monastery is a historic and religious site located in Trabzon, Turkey. The monastery was founded in 386 AD and is perched on a steep cliff at an elevation of about 1,200 meters. The monastery has a rich history and was a significant religious center for Orthodox Christians until it was abandoned in 1923 during the population exchange between Turkey and Greece.

The monastery's main attraction is the beautiful frescoes that adorn the walls of the main church. These frescoes depict scenes from the life of Jesus Christ and are considered among the best examples of Byzantine art in Turkey. There is also a rock-cut chapel, several chapels, and a library on the site.

The monastery has undergone various renovations and restorations over the years and was reopened to the public in 2019 after a three-year closure for restoration work. It attracts a large number of tourists every year who come to admire its stunning architecture and religious significance.