ANKARA: A dramatic monastery nestled in a cliff in the Turkish Black Sea province of Trabzon reopened to visitors on July 1 following a five-year restoration effort.

Sumela Monastery, which dates back to the fourth century, is considered one of Turkey’s most important faith tourism centers and is included in UNESCO’s temporary list of World Heritage sites.

It was reopened on Aug. 15, 2010, for the religious practice of the Christian Orthodox community following an 88-year hiatus. But it has remained closed since 2015 due to the risk of rockfall from the neighboring Karadag mountain. The monastery is nestled in a steep cliff at an altitude of around 1,200 meters.

Restoration efforts began in Feb. 2016. They cost around TRY57 million ($6.53 million) and work was carried out by a team of 100 people. 

It covered the main church, 10 chapels, a holy spring, a bell tower, a two-story kitchen, a fountain, a library, administrative spaces, monks’ rooms, and a guesthouse.