Ancient Black Sea port with Byzantine roots, nestled between mountains. Narrow streets house historic bazaars, caravanserais, and religious sites from its imperial past.
Trabzon, a city on Turkey's northeastern Black Sea coast, is rich in history and natural beauty. You can explore Byzantine churches like the Hagia Sophia, hike to the cliffside Sumela Monastery, or take in the city view from Boztepe Hill. The local cuisine includes dishes made with anchovies and hazelnuts, reflecting the region's coastal and agricultural heritage. Trabzon's location between mountains and sea creates a mild climate, making it accessible year-round.
Getting to Trabzon
You can fly to Trabzon from major Turkish cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. The airport is about 6 km from the city center. Buses also connect Trabzon to other parts of Turkey, though journeys can be long - the trip from Istanbul takes around 18 hours.
Exploring the Hagia Sophia
The 13th century Hagia Sophia is a significant historical building in Trabzon. Originally built as a Byzantine church, it later became a mosque and museum before being converted back to a mosque in 2013. The building's architecture blends Byzantine and Ottoman styles. Inside, you'll see restored frescoes depicting biblical scenes on the walls and ceilings.
Visiting Sumela Monastery
About 50 km south of Trabzon lies the Sumela Monastery, built into the side of a steep cliff. Dating back to the 4th century, the Greek Orthodox monastery contains frescoed chapels and living quarters for monks. As you hike up to the monastery, you'll see the surrounding Altındere Valley. As of 2021, parts of the monastery have reopened after restoration work.
Enjoying Local Cuisine
Trabzon's cuisine includes many Black Sea specialties, particularly dishes made with hamsi (anchovies). Try hamsili pilav, rice baked with layers of anchovies, or hamsili ekmek, anchovies in bread. The city produces hazelnuts and dairy products like kaymak (clotted cream). For dessert, you can taste Trabzon's version of baklava made with hazelnuts instead of walnuts or pistachios.
Shopping at the Bazaar
In Trabzon's covered bazaar, you can browse through narrow alleys lined with shops selling spices, local foods, textiles, and household goods. The market dates back to Ottoman times. You'll find regional products like wooden spoons, woven baskets, and copper items. The bazaar is also a good place to buy hazelnuts and tea to take home.
When to Visit
Trabzon has a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and cool winters. July and August are the warmest and driest months, with temperatures around 25°C (77°F). Winters can be chilly and rainy, with occasional snow. Spring and fall have mild temperatures. Keep in mind that Trabzon receives rainfall year-round, so pack a raincoat or umbrella regardless of when you visit.
