Monastery on Cool Rock (also known as Sumela Monastery)

The Cool Rock Monastery (also known as Sumela Monastery) is an ancient monastery located on a rock in the mountains of Turkey, near the town of Trabzon. The monastery was built in the IV century AD and is one of the most important historical monuments of Turkey.

Sumela Monastery is located at an altitude of about 1200 meters above sea level and is surrounded by picturesque mountains and forests. It was founded by two monks from Athos, Greece, and for centuries served as one of the main cultural and religious centers of the Eastern Roman Empire.

The monastery consists of several buildings built on different levels of rock. The main temple is at the top and has a dome and an apse. Inside the temple are walls with frescoes that date back to the XIX century.

On the grounds of the monastery there are also several other buildings, including a dormitory for monks, a dining room, a library and the Church of St. Barbara. All the buildings in the monastery are built in traditional Greek style, and most of them have beautiful patterns and decorative elements.

The monastery was abandoned in 1923 when Turkey declared a secular state and evicted all monks from the monastery. Currently, the monastery is a tourist attraction and attracts many visitors from all over the world.

Although abandoned over a century ago, the monastery continues to attract attention for its unique architecture and historical significance. Today it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey, attracting thousands of visitors every year who want to enjoy the beauty of the monastery and learn more about its history and cultural traditions.