Sümela Monastery reopens after safety efforts against rockfalls
The historic Sümela Monastery, perched dramatically on a steep cliffside in the northern province of Trabzon, reopened its doors to visitors on June 25, following the completion of the initial phase of maintenance and safety works aimed at mitigating rockfall risks.
Built in 386 A.D., the monastery is a Greek Orthodox monastic and church complex situated at an altitude of 1,150 meters (3,773 feet) above sea level.
Owing to its dramatic location on a sheer cliff face, the site posed safety concerns for visitors in recent years due to the risk of falling rocks.
According to a statement from the Culture and Tourism Ministry, the completed works were carried out in line with scientific assessments, expert recommendations and decisions by the relevant conservation boards.
