Sümela Monastery Guide 2026 — Entry, History, Restoration

1. At a glance

• Location: Maçka district, Altındere valley, Trabzon. 1,200 m elevation, carved into a cliff.
• Founded: AD 386 by two Athenian monks (Barnabas and Sophronios).
• Peak: Komnenian dynasty; later Ottoman imperial privileges.
• Abandoned: 1923 Greek-Turkish population exchange.
• Distance: ~47 km from Trabzon, 1 hour drive.

2. Restoration timeline

• 2015-2019: fully closed for major restoration.
• 25 May 2019: partial reopening (lower sections).
• July 2020: full reopening.
• 2024-2026: fresco restoration and upper-level work continues. Some interior areas may be closed.

3. Entry

Fees

• Müzekart accepted (Turkey Museum Card holders free).
• Foreign visitor fee: check muze.gov.tr for the current rate.
• Altındere National Park entry is separate (per vehicle).

Hours

• April-October: typically 09:00-19:00 (last entry 18:00).
• November-March: 09:00-16:00 (last entry 15:00).
• Open weekdays and weekends except during Ramadan/Sacrifice Bayram closures.

Walking distance

• From parking to monastery entrance: ~2 km uphill, 30-45 min walk.
• Alternative shuttle service (paid, ₺50-100).
• Moderate physical difficulty; comfortable shoes required.

4. Main sections

• Rock Church (Cave Church): covered in frescoes; most-visited area.
• Monk cells: multi-storey rooms.
• Library: historical manuscripts now housed in Trabzon / Istanbul museums.
• Ayazma (holy spring).
• Kitchen and refectory.

5. Best time to visit

• Late April – May: best. Valley turns green; visitors low.
• June-September: busy; arrive by 09:00 opening.
• Jul-Aug: very crowded + heavy Arab tourist traffic.
• October: autumn colours; calm.
• Winter: road ice risk; sometimes restricted access.

6. Nearby

• Altındere National Park: picnic and dining areas.
• Maçka Museum: small ethnographic collection.
• Haçka Highland: pairs well with a Sümela day trip.

7. Photo tips

• Morning 10:00-12:00: monastery facade catches sun.
• Wide-angle lens ideal for the monastery + cliff frame.
• New LED lighting means no extra lighting needed for frescoes.
• Tripods not allowed inside.

8. Transport

Self-drive

• Trabzon centre → D010 → Maçka (25 km) → Altındere (22 km).
• Parking before the monastery entrance.

Public transport

• Frequent dolmuş from Trabzon bus terminal to Maçka (20-30 min intervals).
• From Maçka centre, local dolmuş to Altındere in summer.

Guided

• Trabzon hotels organize day tours: ₺700-1,500/person (entry incl./excl.).
• Sümela + Uzungöl combos common.

9. FAQ

Is the walk tough? Uphill, 2 km. Not ideal for unfit visitors; use shuttle. 60+ also advised to use shuttle.

Photography allowed? Outside and general sections yes; no flash inside near frescoes.

Suitable for kids? 8+ yes. Younger kids: carrier recommended.

Nearest food? Trout restaurants inside Altındere Park + picnic areas. Local restaurants in Maçka centre.