Places in Trabzon to visit
Sumela Monastery
Altindere village of Maçka in Trabzon borders, dominated the Altındere Valley Sumela Monastery built on a cliff at the foot of Montenegro, as the 'Virgin Mary' is referred to by name. The building is about 300 meters above the valley, located outside the city of monasteries, forests, caves and water continued its tradition aside.
Trabzon Castle
The Trabzon Castle is a fortress located in the city of Trabzon, northeastern Turkey. Constructed on foundations dating back to Byzantine era with cut stones from former structures at site, the castle stretches from a hill on the backside of the city to the Black Sea shore. It consists of three parts, the Upper Fortress (Yukari Hisar), the Middle Fortress (Orta Hisar) and the Lower Fortress (Aşağı Hisar).
The Upper Fortress protected the citadel and served as the acropolis. It is believed that the citadel was built as the first construction in 2000 BC. Some early sources mention the existence of ruins of structures such as hippodrome, tower, bath and palace. The citadel underwent various modifications in the history. The walls of the Upper Fortress are higher than of the other parts. It is fortified in the south with higher and thicker walls and towers. Some epigraphs from Ottoman era, which were found between the citadel walls, can be seen in Trabzon Museum
Vazelon Monastery
Vazelon Monastery is located in Maçka district. It was built in 270 AD and is located 40 kilometers south of Trabzon. After Emperor Justinian ordered it to be repaired in 565 AD, it has since been renovated many times up to the present day. The current buildings date from the rebuilding in 1410.
Vazelon Monastery was of vital importance in the region of Maçka, especially in regards to its religious, cultural and economic life. It is said that Sümela Monastery was built from the income of the Vazelon Monastery, which was the wealthiest in the region. The frescoes on the north outer walls of the church of Heaven, Hell and the Last Judgement still bear their original beauty.
Uzungöl
Uzungöl is most famous for its natural beauty. Located in a valley between high rising mountains, the lake and village at first appear inaccessible. The surrounding greenery of the mountain forests and fog, occasionally enveloping the lake at night, also add to the scenery.
The tourist boom of the recent years has attracted investors, who opened a number of hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops in the village. The transport infrastructure has also been greatly improved. In 2008, the government built a concrete barrier along the lake's shoreline, so that its waves would not wet the coastal roads around it. This has triggered protests by the locals, as well as ecologists concerned with environmental damage, who stated that it has turned the lake into a giant artificial pool
Hagia Sophia Museum
Hagia Sophia was built in Trabzon during the reign of Manuel I between 1238 and 1263. The oldest graffiti carved in the apses of the church contain the dates 1291 and 1293. After Mehmed II conquered the city in 1461, the church was possibly converted into a mosque and its frescos covered in whitewash. Other scholars suggest it was not converted until 1584, being spared the initial transformation because it stood several kilometers outside the city walls. The monastery next door continued to be used by monks as late as 1701, when Tournefort found them still in residence. It is likely that the monks gradually abandoned a building that failed to protect them from harassment and predation, and the Turks assumed its use without needing to expel them
Peristera Manastırı
The monastery's Greek name is Saint George Peristereotas. The name was derived from the monk Peristereotis (peristeri meaning pigeon in Greek). Legend has it that a flock of pigeons descended from the forests of Sourmena and guided three monks who were carrying the icon of Saint George to the place where the monastery was built.
Çal Monastery
Dünyanın en uzun ikinci mağarası olarak da kabul edilen mağaranın içinden küçük bir dere akmakta olup, mağaranın üzerinde tarihi bir kale bulunmaktadır.Mağaranın Yeri Çal Mağarası Trabzon İli Düzköy İlçesi’nin 5km. güneybatısında denizden1050m. Yüksekte Çal köy Beldesi içerisinde yer almaktadır. Mağara girişi, Çal köy’ünden Çayırbağı Beldesi’ne giden stabilize yolun 1.km’sinden Kulaklık deresi üzerinde bulunmaktadır. Mağaranın Şekli Çal Mağarası bir yer altı su kanalıdır. Mağaranın girişi, geniş olmakla birlikte içerisindeki genişlik sürekli değişmektedir. Tavan yükseklikleri kırık sistemlerine bağlı olarak büyük değişkenlik göstermektedir. Girişten sonra 200.m.’de iki kola ayrılmaktadır. Sola ayrılan kol yaklaşık 150 m. Uzunluktadır. Bu kolun sonundaki odada dolinden gelen suyun aktığı bir baca vardır. Sağ kolun ulaşılabilen kısmı yaklaşık 400 m.’dir. Bu kolun yaklaşık 60.m.sinde küçük bir göl ve çağlayan yer almaktadır.
Boztepe Hill
Boztepe or Mount Minthrion is a hill near Trabzon in Turkey. It is located 3 kilometers southeast of the city center of Trabzon. The Değirmendere Valley lies to the west of Boztepe. The Kaymaklı quarter occupies most of the Boztepe hill. The area has been religiously significant since ancient times. There are four sacred fountains on Bozetepe.
Church of Saint Anne
The Church of Saint Anne (Greek: Ἁγία Άννα) is one of the oldest churches in Trabzon, Turkey. It is possible the church was built around the 6th or 7th centuries AD. On a relief slab above the south door there is an inscription stating that St. Anne was restored during the joint reigns of Basil I, Leo VI and Alexander in 884/85.
Ataturk's House
Ataturk pavilion, also known as Ataturk’s House was built in 1903 and much of the furniture pre dates 1937. It is well kept and in excellent condition, so visitors get a good idea of domestic history at that time.