Sumela Monastery

I’m not Eastern Orthodox (one of the three branches of Christianity), but this doesn’t hinder me from being amazed at the architecture of the Sumela Monastery.

It’s a historic Greek Orthodox monastery located in the Maçka district of Trabzon Province in modern-day Turkey. It is situated on a steep cliff at an elevation of about 1,200 meters (3,900 ft) facing the Altındere valley, making it a site of great historical and cultural significance and a major tourist attraction within Altındere National Park.

The monastery was established around 386 CE and was abandoned in 1923 due to the population exchange between Türkiye and Greece as required by the Treaty of Lausanne. It was later designated as a museum and reopened to tourists on May 25, 2019. The site is known for its unique architecture, stunning frescoes, and breathtaking location.

Do you like visiting monasteries?

Monasticism isn’t a biblical concept but I have no issue with those who choose to live this kins of life. For some it might be the right choice.