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Sumela Monastery

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Sumela Monastery (Turkey)

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Sumela Monastery is a Greek Orthodox monastery carved into a steep cliff in the Altındere Valley within the Pontic Mountains of northeastern Turkey. Situated at an altitude of approximately 1200 meters, the monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. According to tradition, it was founded in 386 AD by two monks from Athens who discovered a miraculous icon of Mary at the site. Over the centuries, particularly under Byzantine emperors and later Ottoman sultans, the monastery was expanded and granted numerous privileges. Most of the present-day architecture dates from the 13th and 14th centuries, including a rock church, several chapels, libraries, and guest quarters. The walls of the rock church are adorned with intricate frescoes depicting scenes from the lives of Jesus and Mary, which remain partially well-preserved despite past vandalism and weather exposure. After the population exchange in 1923, the monastery was abandoned, but following extensive restoration, it now serves as a major museum and pilgrimage site. Its dramatic location on a nearly vertical cliff makes it one of the most fascinating architectural monuments in the Black Sea region.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-7-50491316171381-4
Rain mm674560596050313159837660

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Sumela Monastery, located in the Black Sea region, is open to visitors and gives panoramic views into the gorge. The interior with frescoes is accessible, though the exact country may vary.
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Typical hours
The monastery has typical tourist opening hours, usually daily 9:00 to 19:00 in peak season. Off-season times may differ; checking on site is advisable.
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Photography
Photography is permitted, without flash inside the church. The best exterior shot can be taken from the bridge or the opposite slope.
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Time needed
A visit takes about 1.5 hours. If you want to explore the surrounding national park hiking trails, allow at least half a day.
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Combine with
In the Black Sea region, you can also visit Vazelon Monastery and Trabzon Castle. The city of Trabzon gives the Atatürk Pavilion and Hagia Sophia.
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Getting there
The monastery is reachable by car or minibus from Trabzon, a 45-minute drive. Access is via a winding road and a footpath with steps.
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Insider tip
Arrive early to avoid parking issues and enjoy the quiet. Bring a jacket, as it can be cool in the gorge even in summer.

Geography

Coordinates
40.69010, 39.65820

Facts

  • Founded in 386 AD by monks from Athens.
  • Located at an elevation of 1200 meters.
  • Built into a vertical cliff face in the mountains.
  • Frescoes date primarily from the 18th century.
  • Abandoned in 1923 and underwent restoration in 2010.
  • Situated in Altındere National Park near Trabzon.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

TrabzonTrabzon27 km · EExplore →
YalıncakYalıncak30 km · NEExplore →
KaşüstüKaşüstü31 km · NEExplore →
SalacıkSalacık35 km · SEExplore →
ÇamburnuÇamburnu63 km · NExplore →
SoğukpınarSoğukpınar67 km · NExplore →
UzungölUzungöl71 km · NExplore →
Pontic MountainsPontic Mountains75 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Sumela Monastery (2)

Sümela Monastery⛪ religious

Sümela Monastery is a spectacular Greek Orthodox monastery carved into a steep cliff face.

Altındere Valley National Park🌿 nature

A national park in northeastern Turkey surrounding the Sümela Monastery, known for its dense forests.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Sümela Monastery located?
It is situated spectacularly on a cliff in the Altındere National Park near Trabzon.
How to get to the monastery?
Take a shuttle bus from the parking area, then hike the remaining steep path.
Can I take photos in the monastery?
Exterior shots are wonderful; inside the churches it is partially restricted.
What is the best season to visit?
Late spring to early autumn are best to avoid rain and fog.
Are there restaurants on-site?
There are cafes and restaurants in the valley below the monastery, but not right at the monastery.
Sumela Monastery: where is it located?
Sumela Monastery is located in Turkey.
Sumela Monastery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sümela Monastery, Altındere Valley National Park.
Sumela Monastery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Sumela Monastery: why is it worth visiting?
Sumela Monastery is a Greek Orthodox monastery carved into a steep cliff in the Altındere Valley within the Pontic Mountains of northeastern Turkey.
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Sumela Monastery — Sumela Monastery (Turkey)
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The Sumela Monastery is an impressive Greek Orthodox monastery spectacularly built into a steep cliff face.
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