Sumela Monastery
Built on a steep cliff overlooking Altındere Valley in the Maçka district, Sumela Monastery is one of Trabzon’s strongest symbols of history and nature. Its setting approximately 300 metres above the valley, together with its rock church, chapels, student rooms, guesthouse and other monastic buildings, forms an impressive whole. The origins of the structure are linked to the Early Byzantine period; its main character today, however, bears especially the traces of the Middle Ages and later restorations.
HIGHLIGHTS
Why Visit Sumela Monastery?
Here are the key highlights and practical information to help you plan this stop.
01Cliffside location overlooking Altındere Valley
02Rock church and chapels
03Cultural asset included on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List
VISIT PLAN
What to Know Before You Go
Getting ThereFrom central Trabzon, travel towards Maçka and Altındere Valley. The official source gives distances of approximately 47 km from Trabzon and approximately 17 km from Maçka; the final section involves a walk.
Route TypeFaith and Cultural Tourism · Monastery
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Open in Maps ↗
LocationAltındere Valley, Maçka / Trabzon
EXPAND YOUR ROUTECombine your visit to Sumela Monastery with Uzungöl / Atatürk Mansion in the same itinerary.
This guide was independently prepared for Left Lane Star Travel using information from Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism – Türkiye Culture Portal. Opening hours, admission conditions and seasonal access may change; check the official source before travelling.Open Official Source ↗
Guide data last updated: 30.08.2026
Travel note: Opening hours, road conditions, fees and seasonal access may change. Check current official notices before departure.
