HistorySumela Monastery

about 50 min – 1 h 15 min by car from the hotel · 44.6 km

A monastery set into the rock face above the Altındere Valley in Maçka, at an altitude of roughly 1,150 metres. Its documented history goes back to the 13th century, its oldest frescoes to the 14th. It reopened to visitors after a long restoration; work may still be under way in some sections, so check the official page before you go.

Sumela Monastery

Good to know before you go

It is a Greek Orthodox monastery complex set into the rock face in Maçka, within Altındere Valley National Park, on the western slope of the Meryem Ana Stream, at an altitude of roughly 1,150 m.
Source: tr.wikipedia.org, macka.gov.tr, muze.gov.tr
According to legend it was founded by the monks Barnabas and Sophronios in the reign of Theodosius I (375–395); its documented existence dates from the 13th century and from the reign of Alexios III, Emperor of Trebizond (1349–1390), who is regarded as its real founder. The oldest frescoes are dated to the 14th century.
Source: muze.gov.tr, macka.gov.tr, tr.wikipedia.org
It was vacated with the population exchange of 1923; on 15 August 2010 the first liturgy in 88 years was held (led by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I).
Source: tr.wikipedia.org
It was closed to visitors in 2015 because of the risk of rockfall; after an extensive restoration it reopened in stages, and according to the official announcement of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism the opening took place on 1 July 2021 (English Wikipedia gives the partial opening as 18 May 2019).
Source: kvmgm.ktb.gov.tr, muze.gov.tr, en.wikipedia.org
It is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List (English Wikipedia: added in 2000).
Source: muze.gov.tr, en.wikipedia.org
It set a record in 2025 with 514,596 visitors; restoration of the frescoes on the exterior of the Main Rock Church began in May 2024 (Ministry restoration laboratory), so bear in mind that some sections may be restricted.
Source: aa.com.tr, sondakika.com