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Sumela Monastery is a historic Greek Orthodox monastery located in the Maçka district of Trabzon Province in Turkey. It is situated on a steep cliff face overlooking the Altındere valley and is surrounded by a dense forest. The monastery was founded in the 4th century AD during the reign of the Emperor Theodosius I and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Over the centuries, it served as an important religious and cultural center for the local Greek Orthodox community.

The current monastery complex dates back to the 13th century, and features a main church, several chapels, living quarters for monks, and a library. The monastery is known for its frescoes and other artwork, which date back to various periods in its history.

The monastery was abandoned in 1923 following the population exchange between Greece and Turkey, which saw the Greek Orthodox community in Turkey relocated to Greece and the Turkish Muslim community in Greece relocated to Turkey. In recent years, there have been efforts to restore the monastery and reopen it as a cultural and religious site. The site is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can reach the monastery via a steep hiking trail or by taking a cable car.

Over the centuries, the monastery was damaged by fires, earthquakes, and invasions, but was always restored and rebuilt. The current buildings date mostly from the 13th century, when the monastery was renovated and expanded by the Byzantine Emperor Alexios III.

After the fall of the Byzantine Empire, the monastery came under the control of the Ottoman Empire. It continued to function as a religious and cultural center until it was abandoned in 1923 during the population exchange between Greece and Turkey.

In recent years, restoration work has been carried out on the monastery and it has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.

The monastery is known for its impressive architecture and beautiful frescoes. The main church of the monastery, which is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, is a three-story building with a dome and three apses. The interior of the church is decorated with frescoes that depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of various saints. The frescoes date from the 18th century and are well-preserved.

In addition to the main church, the monastery complex includes several other buildings, including a library, a guesthouse, a kitchen, and a chapel. There are also several tombs and fountains located on the grounds.

The monastery is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including forests, waterfalls, and cliffs. Visitors can take a hike through the forest to reach the monastery and enjoy breathtaking views of the Altindere Valley.

The monastery has a rich history and has been a symbol of the region’s cultural heritage for centuries. It has been visited by many important historical figures, including Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, who visited the monastery in 1930.

Today, the monastery is open to visitors and is a popular tourist destination in Turkey. However, due to its location on a steep cliff, accessing the monastery can be challenging and requires a certain level of physical fitness.

The best time of year to visit the Sumela Monastery depends on your personal preferences and travel plans. The monastery is open to visitors year-round, but the weather and crowds can vary depending on the season.

If you prefer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, the best time to visit is in the spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). During these months, the weather is generally pleasant and the scenery is beautiful, with colorful foliage in the fall and blooming wildflowers in the spring.

The summer months (July to August) can be quite hot and crowded, as this is the peak tourist season. However, if you don’t mind the heat and crowds, this can still be a good time to visit, as the monastery is open longer hours and there are more tours and activities available.

If you prefer cooler weather and the opportunity to see the monastery covered in snow, you may want to consider visiting in the winter (December to February). However, keep in mind that the monastery can be closed during periods of heavy snow or inclement weather, and the hiking trails can be slippery and difficult to navigate.

The best time to visit the Sumela Monastery depends on your personal preferences and travel plans. Regardless of when you visit, you are sure to be impressed by the monastery’s stunning architecture and beautiful natural surroundings.