Sümela Monastery still draws visitors to Trabzon

TRABZON

One of Turkey’s most significant tourism spots, the Sümela Monastery has been closed to visitors while it undergoes restorations. The monastery still draws local and foreign tourists. 

Positioned on a sharp and rocky hill on the skirts of Mount Karadağ in the Black Sea province of Trabzon, the Sümela Monastery offers visitors nature, history, and culture. It also attracts people to the Hagia Varvara Monastery, which is located on the road to Sümela. 

After the Sümela Monastery was closed to visitors, the Hagia Varvara Monastery was restored to become an alternative for tourists. It then became a well-known tourist attraction in the region. 

Visitors can see the Sümela Monastery closely from its view terrace and have the opportunity to do a three-dimensional tour with virtual reality goggles. This way, tourists can see the beauties of the region and learn about its culture. 

Around Sümela, tourists can find Kazaziye, a handmade jewelry technique and the art of telkari products and also taste local foods such as corn bread, yogurt and meatballs. 

The monastery provides an unforgettable holiday opportunity with different alternatives like trekking, mountain biking, paragliding, and photo safari. 

Speaking to state-run Anadolu Agency, Maçka Mayor Koray Koçhan said the eastern Black Sea region had a significant potential for tourism. He said Maçka had become a shining star in the region and in the country as well, adding that the 4,000 year-old history of the district served tourism. 

Koçhan said that along with mountain and tableland tourism, monasteries and churches were the most important tourism destinations in the district. 

“Sümela Monastery is our most important touristic destination. It has been closed for some time due to restorations but it has a very good visitor potential. Our visitors discover the natural beauties of Sümela, taste local foods, and experience the regional culture. As the municipality, we do our best for them,” said the mayor. 

Koçhan said they have created various tourism alternatives. “On the same route, the Hagia Varvara Monastery came to the forefront. Tourists visiting Sümela show great interest in the Hagia Varvara and its splendid view,” he said. 

The mayor said they expected a good season for tourism. “Visitor potential is very good right now. We invite our visitors to experience nature and culture together. We believe more people will come until the end of the season. The natural beauties of the region fascinate visitors,” said Koçhan. 

He also said the view terraces have created very good potential for Sümela.