Sightseeing in Trabzon - what to see. Complete travel guide

This city is located in the eastern part of Turkey. Trabzon is widely known as a major historical and cultural center, which traditionally attracts fans of beach rest and hot sun. Particular attention should be paid to sights and tours that are offered in Trabzon.

The most visited architecture place of interest is Palace of Ataturk, which was founded in the early 20th century. Today the palace has been transformed into a museum, which exhibits collections of furniture, paintings and other interior items that strike visitors by their luxury. The palace is located in the heart of a picturesque pine tree grove. This is one of the most beautiful places of the city.

The oldest building is of this place is Castle of Trabzon. The castle is in great state, so even nowadays visitors have an opportunity to walk in long corridors of the castle and feel the power of this grandiose medieval building. Arsenal Tower is, without a doubt, another remarkable monument of antiquity. Several centuries ago this was a beloved place for recreation and meetings of aristocrats. Here have been organized large parties and celebrations. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Altyndere National Park is located approximately within a half-hour drive from the city’s downtown. This is a perfect place for walking and camping. It is worth mentioning that hunting is prohibited in the reserve. This park is also the location of one of the oldest religious sites – Sumela Monastery. The monks, who live in the monastery, are always ready to greet guests and tell them the story of the building of this sacred place, as well as to show its magnificent halls and icons. The city has several beautiful parks. Chamburnu pine forest is worth your detailed attention. Located on the coast, this park is situated in the piedmont region near Boztepe Park. In 1950 one more attraction appeared in Trabzon. This is Sulfur Lake that has appeared after a strong earthquake and has a volcanic origin.

Fatih Mosque is a fabulous architectural monument. It has a very unusual history. Initially, a Basilica, built in Byzantine style was located in its place. Later, it was converted into a mosque. The Basilica was apparently founded in the 14th century. It took hundreds of years to reconstitute the building. The reconstruction was completed in 1804 only. Unique frescoes and mosaics of the old basilica were entirely painted over. The old building managed to preserve only unique features of Byzantine style during its lifetime.

Beautiful Yeni Kum mosque suffered a similar fate. Primarily, it was an old Christian church. The exact date of its construction is unknown. There remained a memorial inscription on one of the walls. It keeps the year 1291. Remaining fragments of Christian frescoes and mosaics that used to decorate the basilica, as well as special elements of natural wood are other fabulous features of the mosque.

Miniature Byzantine St. Anne's church is also an important historical monument for the city. It was built in the 9th century. Built in the era of the Byzantium Empire, it miraculously preserved not only original external features, but a number of elements of internal decor. At a certain period, the church had been converted into a mosque, however, it did not lose its historical charm.

A tour to the city's Historical Museum promises to be fascinating. The museum occupies a beautiful two-storey mansion. The variety of its exhibits is incredibly large. You can see ancient weapons of different eras, works of art, vases, and antique furniture and utensils. There's a spacious basement room in the old mansion. Some of the unique exhibits are kept there nowadays.

The Gulbakhar-Khatun mosque is of great architectural value. It was built during the reign of Sultan Selim I in honor of his mother. The mosque is distinguished by luxurious exterior and interior decor. The walls are decorated with skillful painting. You can enjoy plenty of precious design elements and works of art.