The Thousand-Year History of the Spectacular Cliff Face Monastery of Sumela

The Sumela Monastery is one of the oldest and most historic monasteries in the Christian world.   There are no exact records about when it was built or by who, but it is estimated that its history dates back some one thousand years and that the locals who constructed it did so to escape enemy attacks.  Located high up on the steep cliffs above the surrounding forest in Trabzon, Turkey, this incredible feat of architecture has changed hands many times over the course of its existence, until it was finally abandoned in 1923.

The Sumela monastery is located outside the Turkish city of Trabzon.  Standing on a steep cliff on the Zigana Mountains, it is popularly known as “Meryem Ana” (The Virgin Mary).  This building complex, which is located at a height of 1,200 meters (3,937 feet), is nearly 300 meters (984ft) high and follows a tradition of monasteries that were located outside cities in forests near caves and sources of water.  The road to get there is about 45 km (28 miles) from Trabzon and climbs steadily.  Upon arriving at the monastery, the structure appears almost glued to the mountainside.  The entrance is reached by climbing a long and narrow stairway where there is a large aqueduct at the top with many arches, which has mostly been restored. 

Sumela Monastery from across the valley (Wikimedia Commons)