Located 17 km south of Macka county, the Sumela Monastery was built within a cave located in the middle of a mountain's sharply vertical slope located 250 meters up the base of a valley. After a zigzagging and challenging climb up the slope, you are rewarded with a spectacular view from the cave that is well worth the effort. There are various stories that attempt to explain the origins of the monastery. The most common of these relates to Barnabas the Monk from Athens and his nephew Sophrenius, who were said to have laid the first foundations. The legend goes that the two began to climb up the highest peak of the Kora Mountains until they found a cave with water dripping from its ceiling. The monks then supposedly fashioned the cave in two rooms [385 A.D.]. Around the year 412, after the death of the two monks, Christians of both Orthodox and Catholic denominations began visiting this monastery as a holy shrine. Whatever its origins might be, Sumela Monastery remains the Black Sea region's oldest Christian shrine and a fascinating place to visit as a result of wall and ceiling ornamentation dating back to various eras.

More Information About 06/08 On Google.com

Taking its name from the saffron("safron") grown in the region, Safranbolu is known for its uniquely preserved Ottoman Turkish architecture. Proclaimed a UNESCO Worls Heritage Site, it is one of a kind in terms of traditional Turkish buildings. Some of the more famous of these houses are the Kaymakamlar Evi, Aygiroglu Evi and the restored Asmazlar Havuzlu Konak, now used as a hotel.Among places not to be missed here: Cinci Hanı and its 17th century public bath, Izzet Mehmet Pasa Mosque, and the 17th century Koprulu Mosque with its famous library.

More Information About 06/08 On Google.com

Twenty miles to the east of Nevsehir is Urgup, one of the most important areas of Cappadocia. Urgup has been built on top of a stone bed that is itself honeycombed with the houses and rooms of the old settlement. Urgup is a lively tourism center and a "must see" on any tour of Cappadocia. Situated within a region of vineyards, each October Urgup hosts the International Wine Festival. Leaving Urgup and traveling due south bringsthe visitor to Pancarlık Valley and its 12th century church. Traveling from there to Mustafapasa(Sinasos) leads us to the remnants of a very different age, with its houses embellished with stone carvings.

More Information About 06/08 On Google.com

The Selimiye mosque is located in the most eye-catching spot of city. This masterpiece created by Architect Sinan during his best period, is located on the summit of a hill, and is in the classical Ottoman style. With its - for its time - advanced desing, this mosque built on the orders of Sultan Selim II (1569-1575), reflects Architect Sinan's genius. This mosque, which has four minarets with three balconies each, is recognized as the greatest masterpieces of Ottoman-Turkish architecture.

More Information About 06/08 On Google.com