Sümela Monastery

A monastery carved into a sheer cliff face in the Altındere Valley, rising out of the mist.

Why it is worth visiting

Sümela stands less as a building than as part of a landscape: a monastery carved into a sheer cliff face, rising hundreds of metres above the valley below and often seen through the mist. That position makes it one of the Black Sea’s most recognisable and most dramatic historic structures. The monastery lies within the Altındere Valley National Park in Trabzon’s Maçka district.

Historical context

A Greek Orthodox monastery, Sümela is known locally as the “Monastery of the Virgin Mary.” The present structure owes much of its form to the period of Alexios III of the Empire of Trebizond (1349–1390). A religious centre for centuries, the monastery later lost its function and is today preserved as a cultural site open to visitors.

What there is to see

Entered by a narrow, long staircase, the monastery is a complex of an aqueduct, a library, a kitchen, guest rooms and chapels. Its most striking feature is the frescoes worked onto the rock face and the walls of the buildings; these paintings reflect the monastery’s religious and artistic past. The structure sits at about 1,150 metres above sea level.

Experience and route

Reaching the monastery includes a walk through the forest; the path is short but steep and can become slippery in wet weather. Comfortable shoes and a raincoat help. The Altındere Valley is good for walking and nature beyond the monastery too; combining the monastery with a valley walk rounds out the experience.

When to go

Because of the Black Sea’s humid, rainy climate, the summer months are the best period for both the road and access. Mist is a natural part of the region and can close the view from time to time. Because arrangements tied to restoration, the road or capacity, and entry conditions can change, it is worth confirming with the official source before visiting.

Conservation and responsible visiting

Sümela is a fragile structure, both because it sits on a sheer rock face and because it is decorated with frescoes. Not touching the walls and frescoes, keeping to the marked route and respecting capacity limits matter for the preservation of the building. The monastery may be partly closed from time to time for restoration work, and the road reaching the valley is affected by the weather. It is therefore worth getting current access and entry information from the official source before visiting.

Nearby

Maçka and the Altındere Valley National Park are on the same route as the monastery. The city of Trabzon, with its harbour, market and historic buildings, is the hub of the region.