Trabzon

It was at the end of 4th century that the Roman Empire was divided into two. When Trabzon supported with the Eastern Roman Empire and was later termed as the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantines attached special importance to Trabzon from the military point of view. Some say the city`s name is derived from the Greek "Trapezous", meaning the place that holds something. Trapezous denotes flat hilltop in the old city, surrounded by medieval wall. Such an enigmatic past will make your stay at Trabzon a unique experience. 
Trabzon`s ancient history and legacy is its main point of attraction and when you visit this place you become a part of it. 

Places of interest in Trabzon are so many that you need quite some time to explore each of them. 

• Constructed in the 14th century, the Sumela monastery stands on the side of a very steep mountain with thick forest below. Two 7th century Greek monks, Barnaby and Sophronios had the main building constructed, later an anonymous artist Trabizond painted it. 
   
• The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin and the monastery complex comprised 5 floors with 72 rooms. A sizeable part of the building was carved out of the rock. The entire building is wrapped up in frescoes and wall paintings. 
   
• Ayasofya (Saint Sophia) Museum is the most eminent structure in Trabzon. Now the 13th century Church has been converted to a museum. 
   
• The Gulbahar Hatun Mosque is certainly the most interesting mosque in the city. Other important mosques are the 16th century mosques Hatip and Iskender Pasha. 
   
• The historical houses in the back streets are really worth seeing. Amongst them The Kizlar Manastiri (Girls` Monastery) instantly transports you to the bygone days of the Comnenian Period in the fourteenth century. Even the Irene Tower is also a must in your itinerary. 
   
• St. Sophia Museum`s history dates back to days of King Manuel I of Kommenos in 13th century. Muslim Seljuk stone artisans built the Church and the work continued till 1670 i.e. after the Ottoman invasion when it was turned into a mosque. 
   
• The Ataturk mansion built by a wealthy Greek Banker, Konstantinos Kappagianidis is a major tourist destination. Ataturk stayed here twice, in 1930 and 1937. 
   
• Make a point to visit Uzungol to enjoy the rich natural bounty.

Hiking in the Trabzon Highlands is a major crowd puller in Trabzon. Trabzon and its surroundings are replete with beautiful moorlands, which offer ample hiking pleasure to the tourists. Some of them are:

• The Sera Lake Area 
   
• Maçka-Solma Highland 
   
• Maçka-Mavura Highland 
   
• Maçka-Kiraz Highland 
   
• Lapazan Highland

The Sumela Sark Sofrasi serves mouthwatering Turkish food so make a point to visit this place. Apart from that the Livera Restaurant, Ibrahim Liman Restaurant, T-Nargile, Efulim Restaurant, and Roksalana Restaurant are good food joints and definitely worth a try. 
Several watering holes like The Lobby Bar and 2 Vitamin Bars are available in Trabzon to take care of your wining requirements.

There is no shortage of accommodating facilities in  Trabzon - luxury resorts, guesthouses, and Church hostels are available. 
The Zigana Holiday Village literally offers a stay right in the midst of nature. When you stay here, you get private wooden houses with all day hot water and central heating in winter. The Zigana Holiday Village is only 45 minutes away from the airport. 
The Omesa Hotel is situated in the City Center. This lodging offers Jacuzzi for its lodgers, quality hospitality, and exemplary service. 
The Buyuk Sumela Hotel located near the City Center has facilities fit for a king. You can also avail of its private shopping center and coiffeur service. It is only 12 km from the Sumela Monastery, 22 km from the airport and 20 km from the Trabzon City Center. 
Other hotels that vie for your attention in Trabzon: 

• Usta Hotel in Telgrafhane Sok.
• Sahil Turistik Tesisleri in Sahil Cad. Beiskduzu
• Grand Hotel Zorlu in Maras Cad.
• Hotel Horon in Siramagazalar Cad.
• Aksular Hotel in Uzunkum Mevkii