Trabzon is a mid-sized, historic settlement on the Black Sea, surrounded by impressive mountains. The coast here is steep and rocky, as the North Anatolian mountains meet the sea. It's interrupted by stunning river gorges and other historic trading cities.
Further inland, the mountains themselves are impressive. Within easy driving distance is the town of Maçka. From there, you can quickly reach the Altindere Valley National Park, famed for its beautiful waterfalls and varied wildlife.
Within the Altindere Valley Park is the celebrated Sumela Monastery, one of the most important ancient sites in the region. It is reckoned to have been founded by Athenian monks in AD 386. The monastery complex is perched at an altitude of 1200 metres, surrounded by dramatic cliffs. It features several chapels, kitchens, student rooms and a library, as well as the celebrated Rock Church.
Trabzon itself dates back to the 8th century. In medieval times, it was a waypoint on the Silk Road, and you can still feel the influence of many different cultures. A great example of this history is the Bedestan trading hall. This 16th-century covered market sells many local souvenirs and features a welcome café on the top floor. But the main attraction is the building itself, which feels more like a church or temple than a commercial building.
For religious buildings themselves, take a tour around Ortahisar Fatih Büyük Camii. Originally a church under Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, it became a mosque in 1461. It combines the best of Roman architecture and Islamic decoration. With a similar history, Aya Sofya Camii is also well worth visiting.
Trabzon features many beautiful parks and gardens, such as Kanuni Park. It is surrounded by ancient fortress walls and now contains a museum, cultural centre and mosque. Also, check out the Zaǧnos Bridge. It overlooks the parklands of the same name, founded in the 15th century.
With all this history, some museum visits are a must. The Trabzon Museum is the city's main archaeological centre, featuring many ancient artefacts. Trabzon Şehir Müzesi is an ethnological museum, a great resource for understanding the city's rich cultural history. And the little Ortahisar Tarih Museum offers some fascinating old film footage of past times.
For cultural explorers, the local folk dancing tradition is often in evidence. Trabzon frequently hosts international folk festivals, where you can see dancing from across Turkey, eastern Europe and other regions.
