Sumela Monastery, perched on a cliff face in the Altindere valley, is Trabzon's signature attraction — and one of the more physically demanding popular sites in Turkey to actually reach.
The monastery dates to around 386 CE and was closed to the public for several years in the 2010s due to rockfall risk before reopening in 2019 — worth knowing that ongoing conservation work sometimes limits which sections are accessible.
From the parking area, reaching the monastery involves a genuine uphill walk on a rocky path — comfortable footwear isn't optional here the way it might be at flatter historic sites.
Most visitors combine Sumela with a day trip from Trabzon city center, roughly 45 minutes to an hour away by car or organized tour.