Sümela Monastery: A Majestic Retreat in the Clouds

Getting There

• Car

  From the center of Phrygia, head northeast on the D100 highway towards Trabzon. Continue on D100 for approximately 130 km until you reach the town of Maçka. Look for signs directing you to Sümela Monastery (Sümela Manastırı). After entering Maçka, follow the signs to Altındere Valley National Park. The monastery is located within the park, and there is a parking area available for visitors. Be prepared to pay a parking fee, usually around 10 TRY.

• Bus

  If you prefer public transportation, take a bus from the main bus station in Phrygia to Trabzon. Buses to Trabzon run frequently and the journey typically takes about 2 hours. Once you arrive at Trabzon's main bus terminal, transfer to a local bus heading to Maçka. The local bus ride will take approximately 30 minutes. After arriving in Maçka, look for signs or ask locals for the bus to Sümela Monastery. The bus will drop you off at the entrance of the Altındere Valley National Park, where you will need to hike approximately 1.5 km uphill to reach the monastery.

• Taxi

  For a more direct route, you can hire a taxi from Maçka to Sümela Monastery. After arriving in Maçka by bus, you can find taxis at the bus station. The taxi ride will take about 15 minutes and should cost around 60-100 TRY, depending on negotiation and traffic. The taxi can drop you off at the entrance of the park, and you'll need to hike the remaining distance to the monastery.