Sumela Monastery, Trabzon, Turkey

 

Sumela Monastery is a place of great historical and cultural significance. At an altitude of about 1.200 meters, this breathtaking place is nestled into a steep cliff in the Macka Region of Trabzon City, Turkey and can only be reached by a path through the forest. 

Foundation of the Orthodox monastery is assumed to have taken place around 386 AD. It is dedicated to Theodoktos, a title of Mary, mother of Jesus, mostly used in Eastern Christianity. There are beautiful frescoes inside, showing biblical scenes of Jesus and his mother Mary dating back to the 18th century. 

In 1923 the monastery was abandoned and became a museum and major tourist attraction in the area. On August, 15 in  2010 the first orthodox mass was held there since 1923 with the permission of the Turkish goverment.

Thank you very much Burak for sending this spectacular card and using such wonderful stamps.