Trabzon is a colourful place. A(n) (in)famous port on the black sea with an ancient history as part of the silk road, its streets are a thriving hub of markets, street food, knock-off football shirts and hostels that double as brothels (first hand experience). You’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Mos Eisley. Early in the morning, thankful our organs are where they should be, we change hotels and then set out for a day trip to the only thing really worth seeing. The Sumela Monestary.
Our hotel room view
Sitting at 1,200 metres, it was founded in AD 386 as tribute to the Virgin Mary. It’s famous not just for its nose bleeding height and climb, but its many murals and paintings in the “Rock Church.” Regardless if you have a faith or not, it is nonetheless an astounding testament to man’s desire and ability to attempt to climb closer to something that doesn’t exist.
Where eagles dare
There’s a ridiculous amount of green-sweatered kids running around taking endless selfies, school teachers vying desperately for control. But when they depart and the visitors thin to a personally more manageable amount, there’s a unique sort of peace that descends. The monastery functions mainly as a tourist attraction now, and you can see why, with beautifully dramatic vistas from its crows nest locale. It was fascinating to explore its nooks and crannies, before the hike down to fledgling tourist trap shops and restaurants, where a bowl of hot cheese is more delicious than it might first sound. The Turkish government are investing heavily in restoration with the recent resurgence in visitors, and it’s well worth a look if you’re passing through. One more ticked off the Atlas Obscura website.
With Trabzon not really having any other pull, and the feeling I’ve outstayed my welcome in Turkey, come the dawn we strike for Georgia. Wine awaits. Copious amounts of wine.
Trabzon and The Sumela Monastery
Trabzon is a colourful place. A(n) (in)famous port on the black sea with an ancient history as part of the silk road, its streets are a thriving hub of markets, street food, knock-off football shirts and hostels that double as brothels (first hand experience). You’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Mos Eisley. Early in the morning, thankful our organs are where they should be, we change hotels and then set out for a day trip to the only thing really worth seeing. The Sumela Monestary.
Our hotel room view
Sitting at 1,200 metres, it was founded in AD 386 as tribute to the Virgin Mary. It’s famous not just for its nose bleeding height and climb, but its many murals and paintings in the “Rock Church.” Regardless if you have a faith or not, it is nonetheless an astounding testament to man’s desire and ability to attempt to climb closer to something that doesn’t exist.
Where eagles dare
There’s a ridiculous amount of green-sweatered kids running around taking endless selfies, school teachers vying desperately for control. But when they depart and the visitors thin to a personally more manageable amount, there’s a unique sort of peace that descends. The monastery functions mainly as a tourist attraction now, and you can see why, with beautifully dramatic vistas from its crows nest locale. It was fascinating to explore its nooks and crannies, before the hike down to fledgling tourist trap shops and restaurants, where a bowl of hot cheese is more delicious than it might first sound. The Turkish government are investing heavily in restoration with the recent resurgence in visitors, and it’s well worth a look if you’re passing through. One more ticked off the Atlas Obscura website.
With Trabzon not really having any other pull, and the feeling I’ve outstayed my welcome in Turkey, come the dawn we strike for Georgia. Wine awaits. Copious amounts of wine.