Sumela Monastery Hits Record 514,596 Visitors in 2025
Sumela Monastery Sets Visitor Record in 2025
One of Turkey’s most iconic historical landmarks, Sumela Monastery, welcomed 514,596 visitors in 2025, marking the highest figure recorded since its reopening, according to official data from the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism.
Carved into steep cliffs at an altitude of nearly 300 meters in the Altındere Valley on Mount Karadağ in Trabzon’s Maçka district, Sumela Monastery has long stood as a symbol of the region and one of the country’s most striking cultural attractions. Its dramatic natural setting, combined with centuries of history and spiritual heritage, continues to draw visitors throughout the year.
The monastery is included on UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List and remains a key stop on cultural and nature tourism routes in Trabzon.
Reaching the site is part of the experience itself: visitors travel part of the route by shuttle vehicles before continuing on foot along forest paths, enjoying panoramic views and seasonal landscapes.
Beyond its historical importance, the area also offers alternative tourism activities, including:
- Nature walks
- Mountain biking
- Photo safaris
The nearby Church of St. Barbara (Aya Varvara) further enhances the cultural and historical value of the region.
Officials Point to Restoration and UNESCO Goals
Head of the Trabzon Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism Tamer Erdoğan emphasized that Sumela Monastery is among Turkey’s most important tourist attractions and noted that visitor interest has grown significantly following extensive restoration work in recent years.
“Visitor numbers are increasing exponentially each year,” Erdoğan stated.
He added that the 514,596 visitors recorded in 2025 represent a 16% increase compared to the previous year, making it the highest attendance figure since the monastery’s reopening. Preparations have already begun to include Sumela Monastery in UNESCO’s permanent World Heritage List.
“We are launching a coordinated process involving the ministry, the governor’s office, and the municipality. Once the monastery is officially included on the permanent list, we expect a further rise in visitor numbers,” Erdoğan said.
