SUMELA MONASTERY

Almost 1600 years old and located on the high cliffs of the Pontic Mountains, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The founders were two Greek priests called Barnabas and Sophronions during Roman Emperor Theodosius’s reign in 4C AD. In the following years, Sumela Monastery had been renovated by the Roman Emperors. In the 13th century, when Trabzon passed under the Kommenos Dynasty’s control, the monastery gained an important position. After the conquest of Trabzon by the Ottomans, Sumela Monastery protected its importance as the Sultan gave special privileges and showed homage to the hermits.

Sumela Monastery had been active until the Russian invasion began in 1916-1918. After Turkey’s republic was founded, the Greek population had to leave because of the exchange of population between Turkey and Greece. Today, Sumela Monastery is a Museum including iconic frescoes, murals, and many other arts.

You can book Trabzon Sumela Monastery Tour with Package Tour Turkey