Sumela Monastery

Carved into the slope of Mount Karadağ, 300 meters above the wooded Altındere Valley near Trabzon, Sumela looks from below like a cliff that grew balconies. It was closed in 2015 over the risk of falling rocks and reopened after years of restoration, and it drew 514,596 visitors in 2025, its best year since reopening. Frescoes survive in several parts of the complex and are the reason to go inside rather than just admire the facade. Water and condensation have damaged some of them, so look closely: what remains rewards patience, and the forest walk below gives you the classic view of the whole thing hanging off the rock.