SUMELA MONASTERY (SÜMELA MANASTIRI)

Only 47 km south of Trabzon, the monastery is a wonder that took its present form in the xiiith century at the time of the reign of the Commens. At an altitude of 1,200 meters, it is literally hung on the mountain in the heart of beautiful trees and greenery. According to local legends, the monastery was founded during the year 386 by two Athenian priests, Barnabas and Sophronius. Legend says that they found an icon of Virgin Mary in a cave on the mountain and decided to stay in order to establish the monastery. A restaurant for tea is at the entrance.