Trabzon Historic Places – The Cultural Heart of Türkiye’s Black Sea

Trabzon, located on the eastern Black Sea coast, is one of Türkiye’s oldest cities and a major stop along the ancient Silk Road. With Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage, Trabzon offers a unique blend of culture, religion, history, and coastal beauty. From world-famous monasteries to ancient mosques and castles, the city is a true open-air museum.

Here are the most famous historic places in Trabzon:

🕍 1. Sumela Monastery (Sümela Manastırı)

The most iconic historical landmark in Trabzon, built into a vertical cliff in Altındere Valley.

⛰ Rock-carved monastery standing 1,200 m above sea level
⛪ Byzantine frescoes, churches & libraries
🌲 Surrounded by a national park and waterfalls
📸 One of Türkiye’s most photographed sites

A breathtaking combination of nature and history.

⛪ 2. Hagia Sophia Mosque (Ayasofya Camii) – Trabzon

A former Byzantine church dating back to the 13th century.

🎨 Beautiful ceiling frescoes and stone carvings
🏛 Museum and mosque architecture together
🌊 Located near the Black Sea coast
📷 Popular stop for culture lovers and photographers

One of Trabzon’s most visited historical attractions.

🏰 3. Trabzon Castle (Trabzon Kalesi)

Ancient fortress walls built over Roman foundations.

🧱 Upper, Middle, and Lower Castle sections
🌊 Overlooks the coastline and city center
📜 Used for defense throughout Byzantine and Ottoman periods
🚶 Easy walking access in the old town

A perfect place for city and sea views.

🕌 4. Atatürk Mansion (Atatürk Köşkü)

A historic white mansion surrounded by gardens.

🏠 Gifted to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
🖼 Exhibits of furniture, photos, and personal items
🌿 Peaceful atmosphere with panoramic views
📍 Located on Soğuksu hill

One of the most popular museums in Trabzon.

🕌 5. Gülbahar Hatun Mosque & Tomb

Built in honor of Yavuz Sultan Selim’s mother.

🏛 16th-century Ottoman architecture
🕌 Mosque, tomb, and small complex
📍 Near the city center
📜 Historical religious and architectural value

A spiritual and historic landmark of the Ottoman era.

🧱 6. Vazelon Monastery

Older than Sumela—one of the earliest monasteries in the region.

⛪ Thought to date back to 270 AD
🌲 Hidden deep inside Maçka forests
📜 Used for religious and cultural studies
🏞 A quiet destination for explorers

Ideal for travelers who prefer off-the-path historic places.

🌉 7. Historical Zağnos Valley and Aqueduct

A preserved area filled with medieval history.

🌉 Ancient Byzantine aqueducts
🏰 Old stone houses and restored structures
🌳 Green parks and walking paths
📸 Wonderful cityscape photography

The area combines history and everyday life.

🕌 8. İskender Pasha Mosque

One of Trabzon’s most important Ottoman mosques.

🕌 Built in the 16th century
🧱 Stone-wood Ottoman interior
📍 Located in Meydan square
🤲 Still active for worship and visitors

A peaceful stop in the city center.

🏛️ 9. Bedesten Bazaar

A traditional covered market dating back to Ottoman times.

🛍 Antique shops & handicrafts
💰 Old trade center of the Silk Road era
📍 Located in Ortahisar
🎁 Perfect for souvenirs and cultural products

A living example of Trabzon’s trading past.

✅ Why Visit Historic Places in Trabzon?

🌍 Unique mix of nature and ancient architecture
⛪ Monasteries and Byzantine heritage
🏰 Castles, aqueducts, Ottoman mosques
📸 Perfect for cultural tourism and photography
🌲 Close to forests, mountains, and seaside views