Sumela Monastery |
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Sumela Monastery is a major tourist attraction located in the Altındere National Park. Sumela Monastery lies at an altitude of about 1200 metres overlooking much of the alpine scenery below.
Sumela Monastery reached its present form in the 13th century after gaining prominence during the reign of Alexios III (1349 - 1390) of the Komnenian Empire of Trebizond (established in 1204). At that time, it was granted an income from imperial funds. During the time of Manuel III , son of Alexius III, and the reigns of later princes, Sümela gained further wealth from new imperial grants. Fabric and BuildingsThe principal elements of the Monastery complex are the Rock Church, several chapels, kitchens, student rooms, a guesthouse, library and sacred spring revered by Orthodox Greeks. These were built over a very large area.The large aqueduct at the entrance, which clearly supplied water to the Monastery, is constructed against the Side of the cliff. The aqueduct has many arches which now mostly restorated. The entrance to the Monastery leads up by a long and narrow stairway. There is guard-room next to the entrance. The stairs lead from there to the inner courtyard. On the left, in front of cave, which constitutes the centre of the Monastery and which was turned into a church , there are several monastery buildings. The library is to the right. The large building with a balcony on the front part of the cliff was used for the monks' cells and as guesthouse. It dates to 1860. The influence of Turkish art can be observed in the design of the cupboards, niches and fire-place in the rooms of the buildings surrounding the courtyard. The inner and outer walls of the Rock Church and the walls of the adjacent chapel are decorated with frescoes. The frescoes of the time of Alexios III can be seen on the inner wall of the Rock Church facing the courtyard. The frescoes of the chapel which were painted on three levels in three different periods are dated to the beginning of the 18th century. The frescoes of the bottom band are of superior quality. The frescoes of the Sümela Monastery are seriously damaged since they have largely been moved from their original settings. The main subject of the frescoes are biblical scenes telling the story of Christ and the Virgin Mary. |
