Sumela Monastery tickets and tours
Sumela Monastery is a Greek Orthodox monastery set into a steep cliff face at about 1,200 metres in the Altındere valley, in Maçka district. Here are the main ways to visit and what to know before you choose.
Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ticket options compared
What each kind of ticket lets you see, and how the options differ in price and cancellation terms.
| Option | What’s included | Good for | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided day trip from Trabzon | Transport from your hotel to the monastery and back, with a guide who explains the history and the frescoes. Some tours add a stop in the valley. | Those who want transport and explanations | Book now |
| Private car with a driver | A car and driver take you to Sumela at your own pace and can be combined with other stops in the province. | Families and small groups | Book now |
| Self-guided visit by hire car or taxi | You drive or take a taxi to the valley and walk the last part to the entrance on your own. | Independent travellers | Book now |
Check live prices
Open each option to see the price and the cancellation terms for your date.
About Sumela Monastery
The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism dates the founding of the monastery to around AD 386, although the exact date is not known. Its main buildings cling to the cliff face above the Altındere valley and include a rock church with painted walls and a long aqueduct along the rock.
The monastery lies inside Altındere National Park and has been on Türkiye’s tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage since 2000.
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Good to know
Tickets for SumelaEntry rules, opening times and ticket types can change, so check before you go. Tours usually say whether the entrance fee is included.
Closures and restorationThe monastery was closed from 2015 for restoration and reopened on 18 May 2019. Parts of the site may be closed for further work, so check before you travel.
Nearby
Altındere National Park
The forested valley around the monastery, with streams and walking paths.
Uzungöl
A mountain lake in the next valley, usually visited on a separate day.
Also in Trabzon
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book Sumela Monastery in advance?
Booking is not always required, but a guided trip or transfer is easier to arrange ahead, especially in summer. Check the current entry rules before you go.
How long does a visit to Sumela Monastery take?
Allow a few hours at the site, including the walk to the entrance and the time inside. The drive from Trabzon takes extra time each way.