Sumela Monastery, Turkey - Timings, Tips & Things To Do

Q: Is Sumela Monastery worth visiting?

Sumela Monastery, one of the most important places to visit in Turkey is located at the top of the cliff which is very sharp. The height is around 1200 meters and it faces Alt?ndere Valley. With its beauty, this place is holding a lot of value in culture and historical importance for the visitors which makes it worth visiting once in a lifetime.

Sumela Monastery, Turkey: Overview

Sumela Monastery Turkey, nestled in a cliff of Karadag Mountain in Trabzon's isolated mountainous district of Macka, is one of the most epic monasteries ever created. It holds great significance and is recognized as the home of quiet and tranquillity.

Centuries ago, what is now the monastery was a church. The Sumela Monastery Turkey erected in honor of the Virgin Mary, is claimed to be derived from the term molasses, which implies black. Although it is assumed that the name Sumela derives from the dark Montenegrins who constructed the monastery, it can also be linked to the black color of the figure of Mary here. The Sumela Monastery is one of the oldest religious places to visit in Turkey.

This historical monastery is also known as the Last Virgin Mary Monastery. This monastery, which was constructed between 375 and 395 by two priests from Athens, was repaired in the sixth century at the request of Emperor Justinian to repair and develop the monastery.

How To Reach Sumela Monastery

From many cities in Turkey, you may reach Sumela Monastery Turkey via bus or shared minivan service. The Sumela monastery is beautifully erected on the summit of a hill, 1,150 meters above sea level, on the banks of the Panagia river. As a result, getting to the top might be difficult. Due to the height, driving up to the door of this historic monastery is not possible. The easiest way to get there is to take a stroll through the forest in the Altindere National Park. Prepare for this hike since the ultimate result will most likely surprise you with a small stairway.

Best Time To Visit Sumela Monastery

June through August is considered peak season, which means you'll be dealing with huge tourist crowds as well as increased hotel prices. That is not the best time to visit Sumela Monastery, in our opinion. Also, it is likely to be one of the warmest months to visit, making it less pleasurable if you want to explore Trabzon further. As a result, we recommend traveling during the shoulder seasons, either in May or September, when the tourist throngs begin to reduce and accommodation costs begin to return to normal levels on Turkey Tours.

Tips To Visit Sumela Monastery

Be sure to dress comfortably for the trip to the monastery.
Surrounding the monastery, there might be several eateries that you can visit. Make a point of stopping by and eating to your heart's delight!
Enjoy the Black Sea Breakfast by visiting these establishments.
The monastery reopened on July 29, 2020, after four years of renovation work.
Always have all of your critical documents and a bottle of water with you.

Things To Do at Sumela Monastery

Those who have gone before value learning about the old legends at Sumela Monastery, which has a rich history. While it is not clear, the building was erected between 375 and 395. With a Museum card, you can access the monastery for free for one year.

To get to the Monastery, you must hike through woods, creeks, and a magnificent natural setting, which is one of the fantastic things to do in Turkey and may fill your vacation with exciting trekking. If you visit Sumela Monastery Turkey and return through the monastery steps, you will be immersed in a unique natural beauty and trip.

Quick INFO

Sumela Monastery Timings:

Monday

08:00 am to 05:00 pm
Tuesday

08:00 am to 05:00 pm
Wednesday

08:00 am to 05:00 pm
Thursday

08:00 am to 05:00 pm
Friday

08:00 am to 05:00 pm
Saturday

08:00 am to 05:00 pm
Sunday

08:00 am to 05:00 pm

Time Required to Visit Sumela Monastery:

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Sumela Monastery

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FAQs About Sumela Monastery

What is Sumela Monastery famous for?

The icon of the Theotokos which is famous as Panagia Gorgoepekoos is the reason behind the popularity of the Sumela Monastery Turkey. This icon got painted by Apostle Luke. Since its origin, this monastery fall several times and was restored.

Is Sumela Monastery worth visiting?

Sumela Monastery, one of the most important places to visit in Turkey is located at the top of the cliff which is very sharp. The height is around 1200 meters and it faces Alt?ndere Valley. With its beauty, this place is holding a lot of value in culture and historical importance for the visitors which makes it worth visiting once in a lifetime.

How much is the entry fee for Sumela Monastery?

Visitors were asked to pay around 300 Turkish Liras to get into the Sumela Monastery. To explore the Sumela Monastery, I think this price is totally worth it.

Why Sumela Monastery is unique?

Sumela Monastery is unique due to its white walls that stand out dashingly from the cliff of the height of 1000ft. This Sumela Monstery Turkey is a seven-story building carved from the walls of the cliff. Monks used to live in the caves until this monastery reached to its form.