Sumela Monastery is a historical monastery built on a steep rock on the outskirts of Karadağ which overlooks Altindere valley, within the borders of Altindere Village of Macka District of Trabzon. Located at an altitude of about 300 meters from the valley, the building continued the tradition of establishing monasteries outside the city, in forests, caves and watersides. The building is a former Greek Orthodox monastery and church complex. The work, whose full name is Panagia Sumela or Theotokos Sumela, was built in the style of Cappadocia churches, which are often found in Anatolia.

It is said that the monastery, which was founded in the name of the Virgin Mary, got its name "Sumela" from the word "molasses" meaning "black". Although it is thought that this name comes from the dark-colored Montenegro where the monastery was founded, the word Sümela can be attributed to the black color of the Virgin Mary here.

Although there is no certain information about this very old building, it is estimated that it was built between 365-395 BC. The interior of the historical monument, which is considered one of the symbols of Trabzon, is covered with frescoes. It is a building that attracts great attention with its location overlooking the lush green landscape of the city. You can add Sumela Monastery, which will impress you with the height of its hill and its splendor, to your list of places to visit at the first opportunity.