The Monastery of Girls

The Monastery of Girls or Panagia Theoskepastos Monastery (Greek: Παναγία Θεοσκέπαστος, "Panagia protected by God") is an ancient women's monastery built during the Trabzon Empire. It is located at the foot of Boztepe Mountain, overlooking the city of Trabzon. The monastery complex, built on two terraces, is surrounded by a high protective wall. The monastery was built during the reign of Alexios III (1349-1390). After undergoing major repairs several times, it took its present form in the 19th century. The monastery originally consisted of the rock church on the south side, the chapel at the entrance and a few rooms. Inside the rock church, there are inscriptions and portraits mentioning Alexios III, his wife Theodora and his mother Irene.