Marco Polo visited it in the 14th century and was enchanted! Also several writers who trusted her, were inspired by her beauty and captured it in their novels. It is a city that is the crossroads of religions, language, culture and rich cultural heritage for centuries. The Black Sea boasts a city-diamond which has been considered for centuries the most beautiful region of the Pontus. It was founded in 756 BC. by Ionian colonists and remained Greek for 2678 years until 1922. It was the city of commerce and is now the commercial gateway to Persia (southeast) and the Caucasus (northeast).
Currency: Turkish Lira
Calling Code: +90
Nearest airports from city center: Trabzon Airport (7km), Rize Airport (115km), Ordu – Giresun Airport (161km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** TRABZON MUSEUM (Gazipaşa, Zeytinlik Cd. No:7, 61030 Trabzon Merkez/Trabzon)
It was built at the beginning of 1900 and was the home of the banker Kostakis Theophylaktos. You can archaeological exhibits, Byzantine icons and objects that belonged to Theophylaktos.
*** SUMELA MONASTERY (Altındere, Altindere Valley National Park, 61750 Maçka/Trabzon)
The Christian monument is the emblematic history of Pontic Hellenism, founded in 386AD. on a steep slope of Mount Mela. It captures the heroic exploits of the Akrites and the Empire of the Great Komnenians of Trebizond. It functioned as a Monastery until 1922.
*** ATATURK PAVILION (Soğuksu, Ata Cd. No:1, 61040 Ortahisar/Trabzon)
Visit the former home of the former president of Turkey (1881-1938). See its interior, furniture, objects and all the spaces where Kemal Atatürk lived.
*** TRABZON CASTLE (Ortahisar, Burç Sk. No:10, 61030 Trabzon Merkez/Trabzon)
The imposing castle of Byzantine architecture was built and are a series of defensive walls surrounding the old town of the city of Trabzon
*** HAGIA SOPHIA (Fatih, 61040 Ortahisar/Trabzon)
Opened in 1238, it is of Byzantine architecture and was a former Orthodox church. Now it is an attraction of the city and functions as a mosque, while in the past (1964) it had become a museum.
*** TRABZON CITY MUSEUM (Kemerkaya, Kahramanmaraş Cd. No:14, 61200 Ortahisar/Trabzon)
If you want to see the History of the city, then you should visit this particular museum.
*** TRABZON HISTORY MUSEUM (Ortahisar, 8, Sarayatik Cami Sk., 61030 Trabzon Merkez)
In this historical mansion you can find archaeological and ethnographic exhibits that will impress you. The collection is over 3,500 exhibits.
*** CALKOY CAVE
If you like caves, then it’s worth the 40-minute road trip to experience the magic of this particular cave.
*** GULBAHAR HATUN MOSQUE (Gülbaharhatun, Şenol Güneş Cd. No:17, 61040 Trabzon Merkez/Ortahisar/Trabzon)
It was built in 1514 by the Ottoman Sultan Yavuz Sultan Selim and its architecture is worth admiring up close.
*** KIZLAR MONASTIRI (Boztepe, Merkez, Mht. Coşkun Karaağaçlı Cd. No:30, 61030 Ortahisar/Trabzon)
The special architecture of the former nunnery built in 1514 is surrounded by a high protection wall and is essentially a rock church.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** An ideal place to take your walk is the Botanical Garden.
*** In Trabzon you will find great parks for walking and relaxing, such as Zagnos Valley Park and Fatih Parkı.
*** When you go to Sumela Monastery, then take time to enjoy the magnificent view of Altindere Valley National Park.
*** In the city there are historical temples, such as St. Anne’s Church, Santa Maria Church and Iskenderpasa Mosque.
*** Go to the Historic Square Turkish Bath for a hammam and you will be delighted.
*** We recommend a walk to Sera Lake to admire the natural beauty.
FOOD AND DRINK
The cuisine of Trabzon is fantastic! You can of course try the traditional Turkish food, such as kebabs, dolmades, balik ekmek, manti (stuffed pasta with minced lamb and yogurt sauce) and lachmajun, but there is also the local cuisine that will fascinate you. Be sure to try the Akcaabat Meatballs and the Gray Mullet Sour that will blow your mind. Trabzon pita bread with cheese is delicious, as is the local Guliya. It goes without saying that you won’t leave if you don’t try Beet which is the classic traditional dish of Trabzon that is made with black cabbage and is made from minced meat. For sweets, try the traditional baklavas, kiunefe, many syrups and the Laz pastry, which is one of the locals’ favourites. In the city you will also find American, Mediterranean and Asian influenced cuisines.
WHERE TO STAY
You can find several hotels or accommodation options for all budgets, both in the city center and a little outside the center. We would recommend staying in the city center.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** If you want to have a great day and have fun, then visit the Flood Museum.
*** Trabzon Akvaryum is an aquarium that will fascinate you.
*** Ekopark and 100th Anniversary Park are two great places for your kids to have a good time.
*** For your shopping you can visit Trabzon Cevahir Outlet, Varlıbaş Atapark and of course Forum Trabzon Shopping Center.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot or by bus.
CITIES NEAR TRABZON
Major cities close to Trabzon are Rize (80km), Giresun (130km), Ordu (177km), Batumi (205km), Erzerum (262km).
