Black Sea #14 Sumela Monastery

See that monastery carved into the steep rock cliffs?  Sumela Monastery was started in AD 386 by two monks who had found a Madonna figure supposedly carved by St. Luke.

Getting inside the buildings required a hike and a climb up some very steep stairs.

But the effort was rewarded as we entered into the monastery.

When Turkey was ruled by the Ottoman Empire, one Sultan granted protection to this monastery as a reward from curing him from an illness. Subsequent sultans extended the privileges.  Unfortunately there has been recent vandalism.

You can see an Islamic influence in some of the niches and decorations.

The frescoes date from the beginning of the 18th century.

 This one is considered very unusual because it shows Mary on her death bed.  Normally she is seen ascending directly to heaven.

Definitely a highlight day on our trip!