We drove to the parking of the Greek Orthodox monastery dedicated to the Theotokos located near Trabzon in the Karadağ Mountains, part of the Pontic Mountains. From there is mandatory to take the minibus to the monastery (🚌 18 TRY/return, 🎫125 TRY). Sümela Monastery, founded by Greeks in the 4th century, clings improbably to a sheer cliff, high above evergreen forests at an altitude of 1200 m in Altındere Valley. During its long history, the monastery fell into ruin several times and was restored by various emperors. The principal elements of the Monastery complex are the Rock Church, several chapels, kitchens, student rooms, a guesthouse, a library, and a sacred spring revered by Eastern Orthodox Christians. The inner and outer walls of the Rock Church and the walls of the adjacent chapel are decorated with beautiful frescoes.
Parking location – Sümela: 40.699932N 39.653034E (🚻,💦,🅿️ – 20 TRY)