Sümela Monastery — Attraction in Maçka

Firstly, this is WORLD history, regardless of race, religion, culture or beliefs - this is a sacred place dating back too 375.. there is a reason why it is a UNESCO world heritage site (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization - meaning peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication and information). For those of you that are so callous to deface centuries of artwork, protected murials that are hundreds of years old..Those selfish acts of destruction are cruel and show blatent disregard for others... For those vandals that ruin it for others... you should be ashamed!!! (In short, the eyes of the apostles, the paintings of the Virgin Mary and Jesus, have all been scratch out and graffitied) Such actions not only harm cultural heritage but also sow division among us.. It is our duty to protect and celebrate our shared history.

“A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.” Robert Heinlein, American author (1907-1988)

It is imperative that we foster an ethos of mutual respect, it shouldn't matter where you are from, what culture, religion and faith you have... we are ONE world and should have respect for one another, respect each other and safeguard OUR history so that our future generations can learn.

Furthermore, the stark discrepancies in pricing for local versus international visitors at monuments managed by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism raise questions about equity and fairness. The exorbitant markups that tourists face; 1,133% Mark up... yes you read that right... 1,133% Mark up... Turkish locals get charged 60tl, yet any else without a Turkish passport despite owning a property in Turkey and having a TAPU, gets charged 742tl... please tell me how this is in anyway fair.. imagine in the Western World, if we had one price for locals and another price for everyone else? That would lead to racism claims and court proceedings!! It's not iust at Sumela, this happens at any site ran by TMofC&T... A more equitable approach that does not alienate visitors should be considered.

For those seeking a visit that balances affordability with cultural richness, Vazelon Monastery offers an alternative worth...

Process for foreigners driving up:

Entrance ticket for foreigners seem to be paid upfront at the car entrance drive through (120 liras - the locals will have to pay subsequently as well at the sumela ticket booth itself, albeit a lower price of 60 liras, but you’ll be able to head right in since your already have a ticket, so don’t need to join the queue at the sumela entrance) You’ll be subsequently asked to park at the base of a hill unless you’re with a tour bus (due to parking problems if everyone drive their personal vehicles up), and then asked to pay 15 liras per person to get the bus ticket to be shuttled up, 2 ways (find the bus ticket booth - not too hard) When coming back down, and driving your car out of the carpark, you’ll pay the carpark fees of 15 liras

Note: Bring umbrella/poncho in case it rains as you’ll be exposed, and ideally grip shoes as the tiles up will then be a little slippery Will be abit cold as well, especially if it rains, so do come prepared The toilet (there’s 1 at the area where you’ll be asked to park your car / to buy ticket for bus shuttle up) will be 1 lira, and you have to prepare the exact in advance as no one will offer you change there - the toilets are also terribly maintained if i may add. - there was pee all over the cubicle floor, and flowing out onto the entrance of the female cubicle The audio guide requires you to pay cash (I think 50/55 liras), as they have issues with accepting card

Overall not a great experience because personally went during a rain, so not only was my journey up and through affected, the visibility was also severely hampered. Also wished I knew the above notes before heading up, as it became particularly frustrating (fumbling around) since most don’t speak English in...

Sumela Monastery (also known as Monastery of the Virgin Mary) is a stunning Greek Orthodox monastery located in the Maçka district of Trabzon, Turkey, nestled in the cliffs of the Altındere Valley National Park, about 1,200 meters above sea level. Built during the 4th century by two Athenian monks, Barnabas and Sergius, the monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is known for its awe-inspiring location, blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape of dense forests and steep hills.

The monastery is most famous for its frescoes, which decorate the walls of its churches and halls, depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The main church, built into the rock, has survived multiple invasions and centuries of neglect, making it a remarkable piece of Byzantine architecture. It served as a religious center for centuries before being abandoned in the early 20th century due to political and social changes in the region.

In recent years, Sumela Monastery has undergone restoration work and is now one of the most visited historical and cultural sites in Turkey. The site offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lush greenery, attracting tourists, pilgrims, and history enthusiasts alike. It is a symbol of both the Byzantine and Orthodox heritage in Turkey.

Visiting Sumela, with its combination of natural beauty and historical significance, provides an opportunity to experience the fascinating blend of cultural influences that have...