Virgin Mary (Panagia Theotokos) Church in Torul

Located on the left slope of Çit Creek in Büyükçit Village Valley, Torul District, is a monastery believed to have been founded in either 890 or 900 by three monks named Mary Theotokos. The structure was renovated during the Trabzon Komnenos period as well as in the 19th century.

Virgin Mary (Panagia Theotokos) Church in Torul

The Virgin Mary (Panagia Theotokos) Church in Torul measures 12.5 x 8.6 meters and features three naves. The entrance, located in the western corner, is made of marble. The upper cover of the building has been destroyed, and the cradle vault roof is visible through scaffolding inside the building. A chapel is situated on the eastern side of the church, near a cistern located just behind it.

The church's entrance is a rectangular, circular-arched monumental door on the west facade. The outermost columns with caps provide the limits of space around this entrance opening. Capitals, jambs, and belts adorned with geometric and stylized floral motifs adorn the entrance.

The interior of the building comprises three naves separated by four columns. The middle nave is wider than the side apses, and oblong barrel-vaulted chapels in their extended, semi-duplex form are located on both sides next to the centre apse with round arches. The top of the interior dome has an eightfold pendentive with pendants and crenellations.