Located on the steep slopes of Trabzon’s Maçka district in northeastern Türkiye, Sümela Monastery is a fascinating place where history and nature intertwine. This ancient structure, built during the Pontus Empire, attracts attention with its rich history and architecture, beyond being just a religious center. Located at an altitude of approximately 1200 meters, this monastery was created by carving rocks and supporting wooden structures and looks like a part of nature.
Sümela Monastery is a historical structure built on the steep slopes of Karadağ, in the Maçka district of Trabzon. Founded by Athenian priests Barnabas and Sophronios in 386 AD during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Theodosius I, the monastery became an important religious center for Orthodox Christians. Located at an altitude of approximately 1200 meters, the monastery, carved into rocks and supported by wooden structures, gained great importance during the Komnenos Dynasty. According to legends, the icon of the Virgin Mary was kept here. The monastery, which draws attention with its historical and architectural value, is surrounded by lush forests and the view of deep valleys.
There are many legends about the founding of the monastery. According to the most well-known legend, the priests carrying the icon of the Virgin Mary made by St. Luke placed this icon in a cave they saw in their dreams. It is rumored that this cave is Sümela and that is why the monastery was founded here. In addition, it is believed that the water source of the monastery is healing and this water is said to be especially good for eye diseases.
It reached its peak during the reign of Emperor Alexios III
Sümela Monastery flourished during the Byzantine Empire and reached its peak especially during the reign of Emperor Alexios III (1349-1390). During this period, new buildings were added to the monastery, existing buildings were expanded and restorations were made. In addition, the walls of the monastery were decorated with frescoes with religious themes, and the architecture was developed to harmonize with the natural rocks. Innovations during this period further strengthened the monastery as a religious and cultural center.
The Ottomans supported the monastery’s hosting of religious and cultural events
During the Ottoman Empire period, Sümela Monastery continued to be actively used by Christian monks; and thanks to the religious tolerance policies of the Ottomans, the Monastery’s religious activities were allowed. During this period, many repair and restoration works were carried out in the monastery, its physical integrity was preserved and it was structurally strengthened. The Ottomans supported the monastery’s hosting of religious and cultural events, this lead to the monastery becoming an important religious and cultural center for both local Christian communities and visitors from a wide geography. The monastery also maintained its importance as a symbol of religious freedom and social tolerance during this period.
Frescoes and ancient religious texts from the Byzantine period
The interior of Sümela Monastery is full of frescoes, ancient religious texts, and rich artistic works from the Byzantine period. The main church (Katholikon) is located at the heart of the monastery, and the detailed frescoes adorning its interior walls depict religious themes in vibrant colours. These frescoes show various religious stories and saint figures. It offers visitors both a visual feast and the opportunity to take a journey into the depths of religious history. In addition, the monastery contains various living spaces such as a library, chapel, dining hall, kitchen and guest rooms. Each area gives clues about the daily life of the monks of the monastery and makes visitors feel the spirit of the period.
It fascinates visitors with its magnificent nature
Sümela Monastery fascinates its visitors not only with its history and architecture, but also with the magnificent nature around it. Visitors feel the mystical atmosphere of the monastery more deeply while walking with the view of lush green forests and deep valleys. The forests, which turn into a riot of colors especially in the months of autumn, add a special beauty to the monastery.
A major attraction for international visitors
Taking advantage of Türkiye’s increasing tourism interest, the Sümela Monastery authorities opened this historical structure to tourism, making the monastery an important center of attraction for national and international visitors. With the comprehensive restoration works that started in 2010, the Sümela Monastery was revived in accordance with its original form. The works were carried out meticulously in order to adapt to the needs of modern visitors while preserving the historical texture of the monastery. Today, Sümela Monastery hosts thousands of tourists every year with its historical and natural beauties and is especially appreciated for its frescoes and unique architecture. Offering an unforgettable cultural experience to visitors accompanied by the unique views of the Black Sea, the monastery also offers attractive activities for nature lovers with its surrounding natural parks and walking paths.
