There is truly no place like Sumela. Perched 1,200 meters high on the steep cliffs of Maçka, its construction remains a marvel—how people managed to build such a site, navigating sheer rock faces and dense forests without modern technology, is astonishing. The monastery’s intricate frescoes beautifully depict scenes of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, adding to its historical and spiritual significance. Sumela is also nestled within Altındere National Park, the most famous natural attraction in Turkey’s Trabzon region. This lush park is home to an abundance of trees, including oak, chestnut, Scotch pine, black pine, and forest rose. With its diverse flora, the park provides the perfect habitat for wildlife such as foxes, wolves, lynx, and wild goats.