Sumela Monastery
A guide to Sumela Monastery: the history of the cliffside monastery, how to get there, the distance from Trabzon, and the best time to visit. Arrange your tour with Absher Travel.
Sümela Manastırı is one of Trabzon's most famous historic landmarks — an ancient monastery carved into a sheer rock face at around 1,200 metres inside Altındere National Park. Founded centuries ago, it draws visitors with its astonishing position suspended above the green valley.
Sumela Monastery is about 49 km from central Trabzon (roughly one hour fifteen minutes), reached via a beautiful mountain road followed by a short uphill walk through the forest.
What is Sumela Monastery known for?
- The monastery carved into the rock, overlooking the valley.
- Altındere National Park and the surrounding forests.
- Its historic frescoes and wall decorations.
Highlights at Sumela
The cliffside monastery
The main attraction — a climb through nature ending with a unique view from the monastery's terraces over the valley.
Altındere National Park
Forests, a green valley and a river — ideal for a walk and photographs before the climb.
Best time to visit
May to October; mornings are best to avoid crowds and mist. The route involves an uphill walk, so wear comfortable shoes.
Tips from Absher
- Wear trainers for the uphill path.
- Combine Sumela with Hamsikoy and Maçka in a single day.
