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Sumela Monastery: A Byzantine Marvel in Turkey Trabzon

Perched on high in the Pontic Mountains of Turkey, Sumela Monastery is one of those places that seems to have come straight from a Harry Potter book of architecture. Cut from a vertical cliff, this Byzantine monastery  has been around for more than one thousand years. For every visitor exploring Turkey, and particularly the Black Sea part of it, Sumela is an absolute must-go place. But why should you go, and how do you even get there? Let’s explain it in detail.

Why Go to Sumela Monastery?

To go straight to the point, let’s talk of what draws attention in here. There are many factors to why most tourist love visiting the Sumela Monastery. The very first factor is its beautiful location. High in the dizzy height of 1200 m and surrounded by thick green forests and wonderful regions of hills, this place seems like an experience from other worlds. I mean, it is hard to fathom that monks constructed a building of such complexity on a cliff in the 4th century.

You will see amazing wall paintings which have been very well preserved over the years. It is mesmerizing to look at Biblical history, and to see the artistry and the faith people possessed during that time. It’s like looking through a time portal, only that, the scenery won’t be such that any one can ever beat.

Plus, Sumela isn’t just about the monastery itself. The entire area around it is a haven for nature lovers. Whether you’re into hiking, photography, or just soaking in the serenity of a mountain forest, this place has something for you.

How to Get to Sumela Monastery?

Now, going to Sumela is not as easy as going to Trabzon, but that’s part of the adventure. The inhabited places is approximately 45 kilometers standards south of Trabzon, which is a city in a region of Turkey near the Black Sea; the northeastern coast.

First you will need to go to Trabzon. For those who are in transit from Istanbul or Ankara cities, there are enough flights to Trabzon airport. After that, you can either rent a car or join an excursion. If you are the independent type, it suggested to you should rent out a car. Reach there going through thick forests and up mountain roads, the drive itself is also part of the experience.

After getting into the Altindera valley national park location of Sumela you would park your vehicle at the parking area provided. From that point, it is about a thirty-minute trek towards the monastery itself. The path is very well signed so you won’t get lost, although there is a slight bit of uphill walking. The closer you draw to the place the more and more of it comes into view and finally there you are at the platform looking at this magnificent edifice that is almost floating up in the air.

Practical Tips

Best Season to Go: May to October is the best time to visit Sumela, as the weather is more temperate, and the mountain sights are at their brightest. The winters can be quite severe and at times, due to heavy snowfall, the monastery is closed to the visitors.

Entrance Fee: The main costs incurred are for the entrance to the national park and to the monastery itself. It’s not much and it quite fair considering it goes towards the protection of this wonderful place.

Cast a Glance: If you are fond of such entertaining and educative excursions in the course of which you get several fascinating historical and legendary concepts about Sumela, it is advisable to take a local guide. They can help you appreciate this even more by giving you knowledge that is uncommon.

Why is the Sümela Monastery so special?

What makes Sumela so exceptional is the atmosphere of seclusion and deep spirituality which one feels in the air. Unfortunately, in many places around Turkey which are visited be tourists, resort type feelings are very commercial and crammed with tourists. This is one such place where one can still capture an instant of utter tranquility where only the sounds of rustling leaves and gurgling water from a stream in the valleys holds sway. There is so much to see in this place than it is a simple tourist site. It is more like a sensation.

If you are thinking about going to Turkey, a tip is to avoid the normal tourist attractions. Please make an effort to travel to Sumela Monastery. This is one of the side trips that you will be happy to take.