Sumela Monastery, built on a steep cliff on the outskirts of Karadag overlooking the Altindere valley, within the borders of Altindere Village of Macka District of Trabzon, is popularly known as "Virgin Mary" among the locals. Located approximately 300 meters above the valley, the building has continued the tradition of establishing monasteries outside the city, in forests, caves and watersides.
It is said that the monastery founded in the name of the Virgin Mary took its name "Sumela" from the word "melas" meaning "black". Although this name is thought to come from the dark Montenegro Mountains where the monastery was founded, the word Sumela can be attributed to the black color of the Virgin Mary depiction there.
According to legend, the monastery, which was founded by two priests named Barnabas and Sophranios from Athens during the time of Byzantine Emperor Theodosius I (375-395), was repaired by one of his generals, Belisarios, in the 6th century, when Emperor Justinianus requested that the monastery be repaired and expanded.
Karaca Cave, which takes its name from the neighborhood of the village where it is located, is a magnificent natural wonder that came to being naturally after millions of years, was engraved with patience, and every point was given the same care. Karaca Cave, located just southwest of Karaca District within the borders of Cebeli Village in the Torul district of Gümüşhane, is 17 km away from the city center and 1550 meters above sea level.
Hamsikoy is an old stopover located at the northern foot of Zigana Mountain, 19 km away from Macka District, on the northern route of the Silk Road from China and India to Europe. Its name comes from the Arabic Hamse village (Five villages) and consists of five separate settlements.
Hamsikoy Rice Pudding: The feature of Hamsikoy Rice Pudding is that the delicious milk originating from the floral flora of the region is cooked using a special cooking technique, using only rice, sugar and salt, for as long as an hour.
Highlights:
Sumela Monastery:
- Built on a steep cliff overlooking Altındere valley in Trabzon.
- Popularly known as "Virgin Mary" among locals.
- Continues the tradition of establishing monasteries outside the city.
Karaca Cave:
- Magnificent natural wonder in Torul district, Gumushane.
- Formed over millions of years with meticulous care.
Hamsikoy:
- Ancient stopover on the Silk Road route, near Zigana Mountain.
- Comprised of five separate settlements.
Hamsikoy Rice Pudding:
- Signature dish using local milk and special cooking technique.
- Ingredients include rice, sugar, and salt, cooked for an hour.
Tour Timing's:
- Duration: 08 Hours
- The tour starts at approximately 09:30 a.m. & ends around 05:30 p.m.
Inclusions:
- Tour guide (Turkish, Arabic, English)
- Transportation on sharing basis
- Travel Insurance
- pick-up & drop-off from 03 locations only (In front of Zagnos Tour Agency, Trabzon Square & across from the airport)
Exclusions:
- Lunch
- Pick & drop from hotel
- Museum and archeological site entry fees
Tour Departure Point:
- Meeting Point-01 : In front of Zagnos Tour Agency
- Meeting Point-02 : Trabzon Square
- Meeting Point-03 : Across from the airport
Tour Itinerary:Trabzon - Sumela Monastery - Zigana Mountain - Hamsikoy - Torul Glass Terrace - Karaca Cave - Pestle Kome Tasting
We start the one-day Sümela, Zigana, Hamsiköy, Torul Glass Terrace, and Karaca Cave tour at 09:30 by meeting at our office. After picking up the guests on the route and a 45-minute drive, we reach the parking area of Sumela Monastery, a magnificent place in the Macka district adorned with rich history, religious importance and natural beauty. We get on the shuttles that will drop us off at the path of Sumela Monastery. After 10 minutes of walking on the path, we will reach the monastery. After visiting the monastery, we will return to the shuttles by walking back on the path and then reach our vehicle.
After about 45 minutes, we will reach our next stop, the summit of Zigana Mountain. Being located at an altitude of approximately 2000 m, this spot offers a breathtaking view as well as a delicious lunch. The following spot is Hamsikoy, where you can taste the famous Hamsikoy rice pudding. Then, we pass through the Zigana tunnel, the 3rd longest tunnel in the world, and reach the Torul Glass Terrace, which stands out with its 240m height, located in the Torul district. Then, we reach the Karaca cave, magnificent with its stalactites, stalagmites and travertines.
We conclude the tour in Trabzon by stopping by the sales office of fruit pulp and kome, which are sweet varieties specific to Gumushane region.
Important things to know before your visit:
- Pick-up & drop-off only from In front of Zagnos Tour Agency, Trabzon Square & across from the airport.
- Guest need to be present at the meeting point mentioned above.
- A Seat number is not given in the vehicle layout plan. You can sit where it is suitable.
- The vehicle brand and model are not specified. The agency can change vehicles when necessary.
- The agency has the right to make changes to some points of the program depending on weather, road conditions and season.
- Our tours are accompanied by group leaders in Turkish, English or Arabic whenever possible. However, no guarantee is given in this regard.
- The Black Sea region has a climate in which you can experience all four seasons at the same time. We recommend that you check the weather forecast and plan your outfits accordingly.
