Kıyıköy Aya Nikola (Saint Nicholas) Monastery The Saint Nicholas Monastery of Kıyıköy, situated on the southern slope of the Kıyıköy town in Kirklareli Province, is a remarkable architectural structure with historical significance. Dating back to the IV. century, the monastery was carved out of a large rock mass during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian (527-565 AD) and is considered an outstanding example of Byzantine rock monasteries. The Saint Nicholas Monastery features multiple sections, including a Christian church on the ground floor and a holy spring located in the basement. For centuries, monks inhabited the rooms on the top floor. Over the years, the monastery has undergone several restoration projects, including one in the 19th century that added wooden steps and gave it an appealing appearance for tourists visiting from around the world. Today, the Saint Nicholas Monastery remains an important historical and cultural landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's past.