The Sumela Monastery is a historic monastery complex built on steep cliffs, located in the Maçka district of Trabzon province, in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye. It is believed to have been constructed in the 4th century AD by Athenian monks Barnabas and Sophronios. Carved into the slope of Mount Karadağ at an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters above sea level, the structure held significant religious and cultural importance, especially during the Byzantine period. The complex consists of sections such as the main rock church, chapels, monks’ rooms, a library, and a sacred water spring, and it stands out with its rich fresco decorations.
Throughout the centuries, the Sumela Monastery served as an important pilgrimage site for both Christian and Muslim communities and was preserved during the Ottoman period as well. Although it was abandoned at the beginning of the 20th century, it has been restored and opened to tourism today. Through extensive restoration works carried out between 2015 and 2020, many parts of the structure have been reopened to visitors. The monastery is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and attracts thousands of visitors each year with its historical atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings.
Where is the Sumela Monastery located?
The Sumela Monastery is located within the boundaries of Altındere Village in the Maçka district of Trabzon province, in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye. Situated within the Altındere Valley National Park, this historic monastery was built on the steep cliffs of Mount Karadağ, positioned approximately 1,150 meters above sea level and 300 meters above the valley. The monastery is about 45 kilometers away from the city center of Trabzon and is considered one of the region’s most important touristic and religious structures.
Also known as the “Monastery of the Virgin Mary,” Sumela was founded in 386 AD during the Byzantine period by Athenian monks Barnabas and Sophronios. The monastery stands out with its sections such as natural caves, churches, chapels, a library, and a sacred water spring. Throughout the centuries, it was actively used and served as a religious center during both the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Today, it has been restored and opened to visitors, and it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
When and by whom was the Sumela Monastery built?
The Sumela Monastery was built in 386 AD during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Theodosius I by Athenian monks Barnabas and Sophronios. According to legend, the two monks decided to establish a monastery here due to the miraculous discovery of an icon of the Virgin Mary on the slopes of Mount Karadağ. Therefore, from its very foundation, the Sumela Monastery became a sacred structure dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
In later centuries, particularly during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Alexios III (1349–1390), the monastery was significantly expanded and placed under imperial protection. Thanks to this protection and support, the Sumela Monastery became a major center of religious, cultural, and artistic significance.
During the Byzantine period, especially after the establishment of the Empire of Trebizond (1204–1461), the Sumela Monastery gained even greater importance. During the reigns of Emperor Alexios III and his son Manuel IV, the monastery received generous donations, new structures were added, and existing sections were expanded. During this period, the monastery became not only a religious center but also an important complex where educational and cultural activities were conducted.
After the conquest of Trabzon by the Ottomans in 1461, the Sumela Monastery continued to exist, and its rights and privileges were secured through imperial decrees issued by Ottoman sultans. Thus, the monastery remained a sacred pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians until the early 20th century. After being abandoned following the population exchange in 1923, the Sumela Monastery has been restored and opened to visitors. Today, it stands as a cultural heritage site, welcoming visitors from around the world with its historical and architectural value.
How much is the entrance fee to the Sumela Monastery?
As of 2025, the entrance fees for the Sumela Monastery are as follows:
- Full Ticket: 450 TL
- Students under the age of 18: Free
- Museum Card Holders: The Museum Card is valid. (Museum Card fee: 60 TL for adults, 30 TL for students)
Additional Fees:
- Altındere Valley National Park Vehicle Entrance Fee: 17 TL
- Minibus Fee from the Parking Lot to the Monastery: 27 TL per person
Those Eligible for Free Entry:
The following groups can enter the Sumela Monastery free of charge upon presenting their ID or relevant documents:
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Students under the age of 18 who are citizens of the Republic of Türkiye
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Citizens of the Republic of Türkiye aged 65 and above
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Persons with disabilities and one companion
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Veterans and relatives of martyrs holding an ID card
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Conscripts performing compulsory military service
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Holders of ICOM, ICOMOS, and UNESCO cards
How to get to the Sumela Monastery?
🚗 Transportation by Private Vehicle
Starting from the city center of Trabzon, you can reach the Maçka district by following the D885 highway. After Maçka, you can continue toward the monastery by following the signs for Altındere Valley National Park. The final part of the road leading to the monastery is closed to vehicle traffic; therefore, you must leave your vehicle at the parking area and walk approximately 300 meters along a forest path to reach the monastery. During this walk, you can enjoy the natural surroundings.
🚌 Transportation by Public Transport
There are regular minibus services from Trabzon Bus Terminal to the Maçka district. This journey takes about 1 hour. After reaching Maçka, there is no direct public transportation to the monastery. However, you can reach the Sumela Monastery by taxi or private tour vehicles from Maçka.
🚕 Taxi and Tour Options
For visitors who do not wish to use public transportation, it is possible to reach the Sumela Monastery by taxi from the city center of Trabzon or from Maçka. Additionally, you can join daily tours organized by tour companies operating in Trabzon and visit the monastery with a guide.
📍 Transportation Summary
- Distance between Trabzon and Maçka: Approximately 29 km (30–40 minutes by car)
- Distance between Maçka and Sumela Monastery: Approximately 17 km (20–30 minutes by car)
- Altındere Valley National Park vehicle entrance fee: 17 TL
- Minibus fee from the parking lot to the monastery: 27 TL per person
What are the architectural features of the Sumela Monastery?
The architectural features of the Sumela Monastery were designed in a highly unique manner, taking into account the challenging conditions of its geographical location and its religious function:
The Sumela Monastery was built by carving into the steep and rugged slope of Mount Karadağ. Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters, the complex integrates natural cave formations with man-made additions. The main section of the monastery, the rock church, was carved directly into the rock and is especially notable for its frescoes on the interior walls, which are impressive examples of Byzantine art. These frescoes depict religious themes such as scenes from the Bible, and portrayals of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary.
In addition to the rock church, the complex includes chapels, monks’ rooms, a kitchen, a library, a guesthouse, a sacred water spring (ayazma), and secret passageways. All of these units are connected by narrow and steep pathways. Entrance to the monastery is through a high-arched gate, followed by a long staircase leading upward. The primary building material used was stone sourced from the surrounding area. The architecture of Sumela was shaped to harmonize with nature while also considering military defense features, giving it both religious and strategic significance.
What is the historical significance of the Sumela Monastery?
Throughout history, the Sumela Monastery has held great religious and cultural significance. Founded in the 4th century AD during the Byzantine Empire, the monastery became a sacred center, especially for Orthodox Christians. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the monastery experienced its golden age during the Empire of Trebizond (1204–1461), when it was protected and enriched by the emperors. Sumela served as an important religious complex where both worship and educational activities were conducted.
During the Ottoman Empire, the existence of the Sumela Monastery was preserved, and its rights were guaranteed through imperial decrees. This situation serves as an important example of how different religious beliefs were protected under Ottoman rule. Although abandoned in the early 20th century, the monastery gradually became a symbol of cultural heritage due to its religious significance as well as its historical and artistic value. Today, the Sumela Monastery is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and is internationally recognized for its historical and architectural heritage.
What is found inside the monastery?
Inside the Sumela Monastery, there are various sections serving religious, daily life, and functional purposes. The monastery complex was designed to include areas necessary both for worship and for the monks to sustain their daily lives:
- Main Rock Church: Located at the center of the monastery. This church, carved directly into the rock, has interior walls decorated with brightly colored frescoes from the Byzantine period. These frescoes predominantly depict scenes from the Bible and figures of the Virgin Mary.
- Chapels: In addition to the main church, there are several small chapels used for worship and prayer.
- Monks’ Rooms: Small cell rooms where the monks residing in the monastery carried out their daily lives.
- Kitchen: Used to meet the food needs of the monks and visitors.
- Library: A special section where handwritten books used in the monastery’s educational and religious activities were kept.
- Guesthouse: Served as accommodation for visitors and pilgrims.
- Sacred Water Spring (Ayazma): A natural water spring believed to have healing properties. This water was used both in religious rituals and for personal purification.
- Secret Passages and Stairways: Narrow passages and hidden pathways within the structure allowed the monks to move quickly.
Where does the name of the Sumela Monastery come from?
The name of the Sumela Monastery comes from the color of the mountain on which it was established. The word “Sumela” is derived from the Greek word “melas” (μέλας), meaning “black.” This name refers to the dark-colored rocks of Mount Karadağ (Karadağ = Black Mountain), where the monastery was built.
According to some sources, the name “Sumela” may also have been influenced by the depiction of the Virgin Mary icon found here, which was considered sacred and referred to as the “Black Mary.” However, the widely accepted view is that the name directly originates from the dark color of the mountain where the monastery is located.
Is the Sumela Monastery on the UNESCO World Heritage List?
The Sumela Monastery was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List by Türkiye on February 25, 2000. This list represents the first step for a cultural or natural asset to be inscribed on the World Heritage List and indicates the country’s intention toward this goal.
The monastery has been evaluated under UNESCO’s cultural heritage criteria (i) and (iii). These criteria refer to “representing a masterpiece of human creative genius” and “bearing exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or has disappeared.”
Various efforts are underway for the permanent inscription of the Sumela Monastery on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Within this scope, comprehensive restoration and conservation projects have been carried out at the monastery, aiming to preserve its historical and architectural features.
The permanent inscription of the monastery would not only increase its international recognition but also contribute to providing more resources and support for the preservation of cultural heritage.