Sumela Monastery

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Level 26 Local Expert

A breathtaking monastery built into a cliff in the Pontic Mountains. You can drive or take a tour from Trabzon — the road offers beautiful forest scenery all the way.

Alexey Tugin

Level 9 Local Expert

We traveled by car from Russia to Turkey, on the way back we stopped for the night in Trabzon, decided to look on the Internet what you can see in the surrounding area and it was just the cherry on the cake after a long journey and many historical sites of Istanbul. After seeing the monastery of Smela and experiencing life in that place, it becomes even uneasy how strong the people of those times were! Now for more details: The Sumela Monastery is a real gem hidden in the mountains of northern Turkey on the Black Sea coast. Located on the steep slope of Mount Mela in Trabzon province, this ancient Orthodox monastery impresses with its incredible location and rich history. The first thing that takes your breath away is the location itself. The monastery is literally carved into the rock at an altitude of about 1,200 meters above sea level, with stunning views of the Altyndere Valley. The road to the monastery is an adventure in itself, requiring a small climb, but the effort is fully justified if you walk. For everyone else, buses are not expensive at all, 20 liras or 0.5 $, if there is not much time on the bus. Further: Founded in the 4th century, the Siumela Monastery preserves many historical layers, from Byzantine frescoes to elements of Ottoman architecture. The preserved wall paintings inside the rock church are particularly impressive, some of which date back to the 13th century. After extensive restoration, the monastery became even more accessible to visitors. Nevertheless, I recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid the crowds of tourists and enjoy the special atmosphere of this place in silence. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes and a camera - the views here are simply incredible at any time of the year, although the monastery looks especially beautiful against the background of greenery in summer or among autumn colors if you go down to the temple (located just below, in front of the shops to the left) from there, there is a great panorama of the monastery in the rock. Visiting the Siumela Monastery is not just an excursion, but a real immersion in the history, culture and natural beauty of the region. Definitely worth including in your travel itinerary in Turkey. The cost of visiting the monastery was $35, which is 10 times cheaper for Turkish citizens. There's plenty to drink and snack on top.

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Daria

Level 10 Local Expert

An interesting place in the mountains (1200m). Recently renovated, entrance is paid. There is also a paid lift by minibus from the parking lot. There is a cafe with good coffee and souvenirs. Beautiful ancient mosaic on the walls. Wonderful view of the mountains. You can get from Trabzon in 50 minutes and $100 round trip with a 2h wait.

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Stepan Danilchenko

Level 15 Local Expert

It's an amazing place. The temple is located right on the mountainside. Very beautiful panoramas. There are several viewing platforms. Clean air. It's probably cool in summer. We were comfortable in light jackets in December. The route is easy. There are many steps. There is a parking lot. There are toilets. You can also take an Audi guide. I highly recommend it. A place of spiritual power.

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Алексей Бушецкий

Level 21 Local Expert

Oh! That's something! We were lucky - it was cold and snowy at night, and sunny and warm during the day. All the charm of the mountain weather and the ringing air! The charm of a snowy forest and a spring drop! Climbing the icy steps and gorgeous photos against the background of the riot of stone vertical walls of the monastery! This place is absolutely stunning in its beauty!

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ibrahim k.

Level 8 Local Expert

Preliminary information for those who want to go. You are not allowed to leave in your private vehicle. You can leave your car in the parking lot at the entrance and exit with the services. Parking and service fees are paid separately.

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Антон Климов

Level 26 Local Expert

I urge you to think hard before visiting this place. There are an excessive number of disadvantages in my opinion. For four adults, the visit cost almost 10,000 rubles. We arrived on our own in our own car. The scheme is the same for everyone: arrival at the square with parking, then transfer to the "minibus" to the monastery and a walking march to the goal. The price consists of three payments: 900 liras entrance ticket for one, parking 50 liras per hour and a ticket for a minibus to the monastery 52 liras each (round trip). The toilet is 2 lira. August 2024 I do not recommend saving on a minibus. The ascent is very steep, and the distance is decent (about 2 km.). We saw the enthusiasts who went on foot, they looked unhappy. After disembarking from the bus, you need to walk up the path with stairs. About 400-500 meters. The young and healthy will have eyes at half past five after climbing to the goal, those who are older by half past seven. At the stages of the ascent, there are benches for recreation. The "monastery" itself is very modest in size. It takes no more than 10-15 minutes to inspect it with a visit to all the farthest corners. Here the most important disappointment and perplexity will befall you. These are some kind of semi-ruins mixed with an open-air remodel and rivers of people who scurry back and forth taking selfies. There is practically nothing to look at there. Judging by the pictures, the weather here is rarely good, so we got into rain and heavy fog. Take umbrellas and raincoats. The use of copters is prohibited (warnings are hanging). The total visit time is 2 hours.

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Сергей Смараков

Level 22 Local Expert

An interesting place of ancient Christianity. The price of a visit by car with parking and a ticket is 50 euros for two. To broaden your horizons, visit. The Turks are doing well, they are reconstructing everything, improving it, taking money for everything.

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Марина Т.

Level 7 Local Expert

It's beautiful and informative!! It's a very scenic road. I enjoyed the views. It's a pity some passages are forbidden and the frescoes are ruined by tourists. I hope it will be restored

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Андрей С.

Level 11 Local Expert

It's a very beautiful place. We were out of season, few people, it's very cool. If you buy an official entrance ticket, then you can get an audio guide in Russian, you only need to install the application. Parking and delivery from the parking lot are charged separately.

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Е И

Level 12 Local Expert

The monastery was built in the 4th century AD on a cliff at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level. The frescoes have been preserved. It's definitely worth a look.

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Александр Мастерских

Level 13 Local Expert

It is definitely worth a trip, even if you are not fans of ancient architecture. Beautiful views. Unforgettable frescoes. There is a good road and organization in the monastery itself. There are a lot of steps, with problematic joints, I do not recommend it. They won't let you go to the bathroom without money. If you take a taxi, be sure to record the agreement on video. Google Translator on a phone with a taxi driver's face. We agreed on a $50 round trip, with a 2-hour wait. Then I had to pay 160 lire for parking. Upon returning, the taxi driver said that he had made a mistake and demanded an additional payment. First 2000 lire, then 500 lire. But in the end, he was sent. The taxi driver's name is Tolga, the car is a Skoda Octavia, beware!

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Инкогнито 8255

Level 6 Local Expert

**★★★★★ An amazing place with a special atmosphere!** We visited the monastery of **Panagia Sumela** with our family and were very impressed! It is a unique historical place embedded in a cliff, surrounded by dense forests and mountain landscapes. ** What I especially remember:** ✔ **Incredible architecture** – the monastery literally "hangs" on a cliff, and its ancient frescoes and interior spaces are transferred to the past. ✔**Views from above** – the road to the monastery and the observation platforms offer stunning panoramas of the Altyndere Valley. ✔ **Spiritual atmosphere** – despite the flow of tourists, there is a sense of peace and sanctity of the place. ✔ **Convenience** – there is parking, a cafe with local sweets (be sure to try **black tea with honey**!), and the trail to the monastery is well equipped. **Tips for future visitors:** - Wear comfortable shoes – lifting requires little physical training. - It's better to arrive in the morning – fewer queues and soft light for photos. - Take water and a hat on a hot day. **The result:** Sumela is one of the most memorable places in Turkey, combining history, nature and spirituality. We recommend it to everyone who travels around the region!

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Вера Дзюбенко

Level 14 Local Expert

A great place for lovers of antiquities, history and just beautiful nature. I definitely recommend you to visit.

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Юлиана Кобзина

Level 18 Local Expert

The view is stunning. Very interesting inside. When you log in, ask the employee for an audio guide account, he will open the website for you and set it up using a qr code.

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Екатерина Трояновская

Level 11 Local Expert

It's a very beautiful place. I advise you to take a guided tour

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Ezgi Özinci

Level 7 Local Expert

It is a magnificent place, our guide carefully described each historical monument. There are places that have been destroyed, but now they are well protected.

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Александр Курило

Level 13 Local Expert

It is definitely worth it to get here from Trabzon, or to turn around driving along the coast. An ancient Orthodox Monastery, which Islam has respectfully preserved and soundly restored. There is much to learn from the Turks. There is a national park around, the visit is paid, everything is well organized and convenient. It would be difficult to get there on foot, but mini vans (minibuses) go up from the parking lot of private transport. I was surprised by the abundance of Turkish tourists and pilgrims. It's a beautiful place.

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ярослав тимофеев

Level 12 Local Expert

A curious place, of course. But Admission is 30 euros per person, children are free. Parking (50 lire per hour). You buy a minibus ticket (40 lire people) and they take you all the way to the monastery. You can walk uphill, but it will be hard and long, so you will have to pay for a minibus. I didn't like these extortions, I wouldn't go there a second time. The views around are beautiful, judging by the photos. When we were there, it was foggy. And apart from walking around the monastery for a bit, we couldn't do anything else.

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Андрей

Level 10 Local Expert

The price is 20 euros per person, + parking + bus. There's nothing to do there for that money. Another monastery, fortress, ruins, etc. on the rock

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ptgti

Level 4 Local Expert

From the port, we agreed with a taxi driver for $ 70 round trip and 2 hours of waiting. 60 lira bus through the park. The entrance to the complex itself is 20 euros for foreigners. But it's not a pity to see the ancient Christian frescoes and the settlement carved into the rock.

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Александр Поповский

Level 26 Local Expert

A unique place. Well renovated. Unusual architecture and beautiful nature.

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Plakh

Level 30 Local Expert

I was in this beautiful place, when you are there you feel a huge energy. The nature is fantastic, the temple itself did not require human efforts at the time of construction! God be praised that such a place has been preserved! Many thanks to the Turkish authorities for coming to their senses and preserving the pro-Orthodox shrine. This is one of the most ancient temples of the pro-Orthodox church! I advise everyone to visit it at least once in their lives, I wish everyone well and prosperity!!!

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Евгения Куликова

Level 15 Local Expert

A great place, somewhat reminiscent of Ai - Petri in the Crimea. Be sure to wear sneakers to visit, as the path to and inside the monastery is rocky and has many, many steps, and I do not recommend it to people with joint problems. There is a fork to the right before the monastery - be sure to turn around, there you can get a beautiful panoramic view of the monastery. The far part of the building is closed to tourists due to a rock collapse.

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Özcan Y

Level 8 Local Expert

Thanks to the fascinating nature of the Black Sea, your trip will be very enjoyable.At the entrance, there is an entrance to the paid parking lot (2 hours 160 TL), then you go up by minibus(paid). After the minibus, the monastery is reached by a pleasant walk of 10-15 minutes.You can enter the Monastery for free with a museum card. This historical structure carved into steep cliffs is really impressive both with its location and nature.

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Şükrü Y.

Level 4 Local Expert

It has a charming atmosphere with its historical beauties.I recommend you to go and see.

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Александр

Level 18 Local Expert

It makes a very depressing impression! A completely trampled, once-consecrated temple! It looks like a latrine! People who do not profess Christianity are completely disdainful of this shrine!

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Наталья

Level 9 Local Expert

An interesting place. Unusually, admission is expensive((( especially for tourists

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baki sert

Level 5 Local Expert

Sumela monastery beautiful place carved into the rock but you know how to find what you're waiting for, But the price of parking, food and beverage prices are high, EVEN THE TOILET IS PAID, especially the direction to drop off your car and transport it by shuttle is ridiculous drivers are treated very badly in minibuses and they turn loud music on their heads, ... ,...

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Ильяс Б.

Level 26 Local Expert

It's expensive, you pay 160 lira to be taken upstairs by bus, you also pay 20 euros for a ticket, they did everything cool, but it seems expensive

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екатерина лаврентьева

Level 19 Local Expert

Mentally. Time travel, falling into the past for centuries. The richest frescoes, albeit partially lost, but restored by restorers. Fascinated, she found, recognized and examined all the Gospel stories. Tourists from all continents. We did not spare the money that we gave for parking, for a minibus, for tickets, realizing how much it costs to restore, maintain, provide an accessible highway and an equipped hiking trail. It is definitely necessary to come in good weather - not to see the surrounding landscapes in fog or rain, it's like losing half the value of the trip. We are lucky! And not only from the height of the monastery, the whole road along the Machki river, as soon as you turn off the highway between Trabzon and Torul, is incredibly picturesque. It partly resembles the road along the Belaya River in Adygea, only here waterfalls and mountain streams are clearly visible. You can't resist stopping to listen to the murmur or noisy murmur of a stormy, clean mountain river.

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Ervin M.

Level 7 Local Expert

An incredible and fascinating place! The monastery is located high in the mountains, you can climb on foot, or you can take a minibus. It is better to go up by minibus, but you must go down on foot, the nature is very beautiful.

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Риа Мариа

Level 5 Local Expert

03/16/2013 the monastery was opened. We drove under our own power to the barrier, there are 125 liras per person (everyone who is in the car, if there is no Turkish citizenship or citizenship. It's free for them). A child of 6 years old is free of charge (documents were not checked). We reached the parking lot. There's 20 lire per person on dolmushi. It takes about 5 minutes to drive. At the entrance, a Turkish citizen passed for 60 liras and was given a map of the museum. It seems that she gives some privileges. And we are already free. There are many stairs. Those who love history and ancient buildings are interested for them. I liked. But for a one-time visit. Almost all rooms are open. You can touch everything)))) but there's nothing much to touch.

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Юлия

Level 24 Local Expert

Impressed by this monastery!!! A unique place. Ancient frescoes. Located in the mountains.

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Сергей Владимирович

Level 22 Local Expert

It's a very beautiful place. There are many ancient frescoes. I recommend visiting from the very opening, after an hour there are already too many people.

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Инкогнито 5054

Level 10 Local Expert

For history lovers, it is a must-visit. The bonus is the beautiful nature, but take into account the steep hike.

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Евгений Разницын

Level 11 Local Expert

One of the few Turkish antiquities, the price of visiting which is adequate to the content. But it's a long way to go

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AFV

Level 14 Local Expert

When you come to such places, you can't help but believe in God, how much strength he gave people to save their faith and build a monastery in such a remote place.

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Abdullah Kodaloğlu

Level 9 Local Expert

It should definitely be seen. If you want to go upstairs only with your own vehicle, ptopark and minibus operators do not allow it. You have to pay for parking and minibus fees. According to what I saw and learned afterwards, there is no rule that a personal vehicle cannot go up there. The road is very narrow and winding. If your mood is good, you can leave.

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Наталья!

Level 29 Local Expert

Only Turks.I didn't like the division of tickets.At the entrance, you buy tickets for everyone at the entrance.You pay for parking separately.You're paying for the bus again.And if there was no translator at hand, then they would have paid at the entrance to the temple itself.Couldn't you have made an all-inclusive ticket?You're Turks and that's your thing.The monastery itself is worth a look.But once.It's better to come here in the morning.Maybe there will be fewer people.And to go down on foot, it's not that far.But you will walk through a beautiful park where there are a lot of waterfalls.It seems that there is always frost here.It's better to take something warmer.

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Дмитрий Кириллов

Level 4 Local Expert

If you have an extra 20 euros per person and free time… We visited in July 2024, reconstruction is underway, at the moment everything is very sad

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Алексей Коваленко

Level 15 Local Expert

I recommend visiting and touching the history, there are parking, entrance and other expenses, but the beauty and awareness of what happened in those days and up to the present day is worth it. We drove our car across the borders, everything is fine and calm.

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Eren Yavuz

Level 4 Local Expert

It's a great place. It needs to be protected very well, there is a lot to say to those who scrape pictures, but the system does not allow it.

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Светлана Нижник

Level 11 Local Expert

A 100% recommendation to visit, you need to see it 1 time than hear it a hundred times. Turkey is the cradle of Christianity, and in this country you can study history "under every stone."

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Aytaç A.

Level 20 Local Expert

You find peace as you move through nature, immaculate weather, you are above the clouds, we have become tourists in my beautiful country

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