Virgin Mary Cave Church The Virgin Mary Cave Church, located in the Sultanselim District of Giresun Province, is a modest rock-cut sanctuary positioned 2 to 3 meters above road level on the western slope of Giresun Castle, overlooking the harbor. It is believed that this structure began as a natural cave and was later enlarged and transformed into a church during the 4th or 5th century AD. Entrance to the church is made possible via a small stone bridge that dates back to the Ottoman era. The church is complemented by a surrounding atrium, and on one side, there is a sacred spring fountain that once served both sailors and worshippers visiting the site. The Church of the Virgin Mary, also referred to as "Panaia" or "Surp Sarkis" in some historical sources, is a modest rectangular structure featuring a single nave. Although constructed primarily from basic building materials, sections of the church include finely cut stone blocks, and the gaps between them are filled with white mortar. Access to the building is through a small entrance located at the northwest corner. The church’s northwest wall includes three rectangular windows with crenellations, allowing natural light to enter the interior. It features an interior barrel-vaulted ceiling that continues from the cave's structure and a semi-circular apse attached to its eastern side. Inside, there are several niches, though some have been damaged over time. Water from within the cave flows from the apse and is directed into a cistern via a barrel-vaulted channel running beneath the church, eventually reaching a connected fountain. The site is regarded as a sacred place, believed to possess healing waters attributed to the blessed name of the Virgin Mary. The church consists of three levels, and parts of the natural cave walls have been plastered. A restoration project was undertaken in 2013 to preserve its historical features. If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or simply send us a message on WhatsApp. We’ll be happy to assist you as soon as possible.