Vazelon Monastery
Secluded monastery in a green mountain valley, 35 km south-west of the city.
Vazelon lies around 35 km south-west of Trabzon in a mountain valley of forest and small streams — an isolated setting that suited monastic life. The site is far less visited than Sümela, which is exactly its appeal.
It works best as a photo stop for special-interest and repeat groups exploring the Maçka area, rather than as a headline sight.
- →The site is a ruin and access roads are narrow — use smaller vehicles.
- →Around 50 minutes from Meydan; pair with Sümela on the same side of the valley.
Hotels nearby
Modern five-star on the Beşirli coastal road, close to the sea, parks and the city centre.
Five-star hotel on Boztepe hill with some of the best sea and city views in Trabzon.
Classic five-star in the heart of Meydan — the most central full-service hotel in the city.
Places nearby
- Altındere Park10.0 km
Forest park below Sümela Monastery with a café and restaurant.
- Sümela Monastery10.5 km
Cliff-side Byzantine monastery in the Altındere valley, reached by forest paths and stone stairs.
- Hamsiköy13.9 km
Mountain village famous for its rice pudding made with fresh highland milk.
- Kayabaşı Plateau17.8 km
Neighbouring plateau to Hıdırnebi, with meadows, wooden houses and long views.
- Hıdırnebi Plateau19.5 km
High plateau above the clouds, cool most of the year, with farms along the road.
- Zigana Mountains21.9 km
Mountain pass with a ski centre in winter, swings and mountain biking in summer, and Europe’s longest twin-tube road tunnel.