The city of Trabzon in Turkey: leisure and attractions

Trabzon (Turkey) is a city located in the north-eastern part of the country on the Black Sea and is part of the region of the same name. The area of ​​the object is about 189 km², and the population exceeds 800 thousand people. This is a working port city, which, despite the presence of several beaches, can hardly be ranked among the resorts of Turkey. Nevertheless, Trabzon has a rich cultural and historical heritage, today is reflected in the linguistic diversity of its population, as well as in the sights.

The city of Trabzon in Turkey was founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BC. and at that time was called Trapezus. It was the easternmost colony in ancient Greece and was of great importance in trade with neighboring states. During the reign of the Roman Empire, the city continued to play the role of an important shopping center, and also became a haven for the Roman fleet. In the Byzantine era, Trabzon acquired the status of the main eastern outpost on the Black Sea coast, and in the 12th century it turned into the capital of a small Greek state - the Trebizond Empire, formed as a result of the collapse of Byzantium.

In 1461, the city was captured by the Turks, after which it became part of the Ottoman Empire. A large number of Greeks continued to inhabit this territory until 1923, when they were sent to their homeland. The few remaining converted to Islam, but did not lose their language, which to this day can be heard on the streets of Trabzon.

Sights

Among the attractions of Trabzon there are historical monuments associated with different eras, picturesque natural sites and attractive places for shopping. Read more about the most interesting of them below.

One of the most famous attractions in the vicinity of Trabzon is the ancient monastery of Panagia Sumela. The temple was carved into the rocks at an altitude of three hundred meters above sea level more than 16 centuries ago. For a long time the miraculous icon of the Virgin was stored in its walls, to which Orthodox Christians from all over the world came to pray. Currently, Panagia Sumela does not work, but several ancient frescoes and ancient architectural structures have survived on the territory of the monastery, causing genuine interest among tourists. More information about attractions can be found in our separate article.

The most important historical figure in Turkey is its first president Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who to this day is deeply respected and respected by many residents of the country. Everyone who wants to get to know the history of the state closer, we advise you to visit the Ataturk mansion, which is located in the south-west of the city. It is a three-story building surrounded by blooming gardens. The structure was built in the late 19th - early 20th centuries. local banker in a peculiar Black Sea style. In 1924, the mansion was presented as a gift to Ataturk, who at that time first visited Trabzon.

Today, the house of the first president of Turkey has been transformed into a historical museum, which exhibits memorabilia and things related to Mustafa Kemal. In the mansion you can look at rather ascetic interiors, furniture, paintings, photographs and utensils, as well as see the typewriter Atatürk worked for. In the summer, it is nice to stroll through the flowering garden, sit on a bench near the bubbling fountain and enjoy nature.

• Address: Soğuksu Mahallesi, Ata Cd., 61040 Ortahisar / Trabzon, Turkey.
• Opening hours: The attraction is open daily from 09:00 to 19:00.
• Cost of visit: 8 TL.

Among the attractions of Trabzon in Turkey, it is worth highlighting the Boztepe observation deck. It is located on a high hill, which can be reached by minibus from a stop near the central city park. At the top of Boztepe, there is a neat park area with gazebos and a cafe that offer hot drinks and hookah. The hill offers breathtaking panoramas of the city and the sea, the port and the mountains with snow caps. You can visit the observation deck both during the day and in the late afternoon, when there is a great opportunity to enjoy the sunset and the lights of the night city. This is a pretty picturesque place where it is best to go in clear weather.

• Address: Boztepe Mahallesi, İran Cd. No: 184, 61030 Ortahisar / Trabzon, Turkey.
• Opening hours: The attraction is open 24 hours a day.
• Cost of visit: free.

Often a photo of Trabzon in Turkey features an interesting old building, surrounded by a garden with palm trees. This is nothing but the former cathedral of the Trebizond Empire, recognized as an outstanding architectural monument of the late Byzantine era. Although the construction of the temple dates from the middle of the 13th century, the attraction has survived to this day in excellent condition. Today, within the walls of the cathedral, you can look at the elaborate murals depicting biblical scenes. The front of the building is decorated with a single-headed eagle: it is believed that the bird’s figure was placed on the facade in such a way that its eyes were directed exactly at Constantinople. Near the temple there is an astronomical tower, and around there is a garden with benches, from where it is pleasant to contemplate the sea landscapes. In 2013, Hagia Sophia in Trabzon was transformed into a mosque, so today the attraction can be visited for free.

• Address: Fatih Mahallesi, Zübeyde Hanım Cd., 61040 Ortahisar / Trabzon, Turkey.

Shopping

Many travelers claim that they can not imagine their vacation in Trabzon in Turkey without shopping. Indeed, in the city there are many bazaars, small shops and shops where traditional Turkish goods are sold. These are oriental sweets, ceramics, spices, clothes of national production and much more. It is noteworthy that Trabzon is an inexpensive city, so you can buy quality things at affordable prices.

In addition, Forum Trabzon, one of the largest shopping centers in Europe, operates in the city. It presents both world-famous products and Turkish products. Here you will find clothes, shoes, household products, souvenirs, household appliances, etc. And if the prices for products of international brands in the shopping center are about the same as elsewhere, then national products are pretty cheap. It is especially beneficial to go shopping here during seasonal sales.

• Address: Ortahisar Mah, Devlet Sahil Yolu Cad. No: 101, 61200 Merkez / Ortahisar, Trabzon, Turkey.
• Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 22:00.

Beaches

If you look at the photo of the city of Trabzon in Turkey, you can see several beaches. All are located close to the motorway and close to city ports. A common characteristic of the local coast is its pebbled surface. In the hot months, the stones heat up very much, so visiting the city beaches is most reasonable in special shoes. In the sea, the bottom is dotted with sharp boulders, but if you swim near the coast, they will not become a problem.

In Trabzon there are fully equipped beach areas for recreation, where they offer to rent sunbeds and umbrellas. Along the coast in such places you will find many cafes and restaurants, and on the shore - a water entertainment club. In general, Trabzon is suitable for a beach holiday, however you will not find soft white sand and clear turquoise waters here.

Accommodation

Despite the fact that Trabzon is not a full-fledged resort in Turkey, in the city and its environs a rather rich selection of housing is presented. Most local hotels are small establishments without stars, but there are also 4 * and 5 * hotels here. In the summer season, renting a double room in a budget hotel will cost $ 30-40 per day. Many offers include breakfast in the main amount.

If you are used to relaxing in quality hotels, you can find famous hotels in Trabzon such as Hilton and Radisson Blu. Accommodation in these options in the summer months will cost $ 130-140 per night for two. You will pay a little less for booking a room in a four-star hotel - from 90 to 120 $ per day.Find out RATES or book any accommodation using this form

How to get there

If you liked the city of Trabzon, and his photo made you think about a trip to the Black Sea coast of Turkey, then you will need information on how to get to the place. Of course, you can always get into the city by air with a change in Istanbul or Ankara. But you can also get here by bus from Georgia and by ferry from Sochi.

The distance from Batumi to Trabzon is about 206 km. Several Metro buses depart daily in the direction of Batumi-Trabzon. Most often, these flights are carried out at night (see the exact schedule on the official website www.metroturizm.com.tr). The cost of a one-way trip ranges from 80-120 TL.

If you travel around Georgia by car, then it will not be difficult for you to cross the Georgian-Turkish border, located just a 30-minute drive from Batumi. Having entered the territory of Turkey, follow the E70 highway and after about 3 hours you will find yourself in Trabzon.

You can also get to Trabzon by ferry from the port of Sochi. Flights are made several times a week. This option is more profitable for some tourists than air travel, and is especially convenient for those who travel by car. Although for loading the car on board you have to pay extra.

Output

Trabzon (Turkey) can hardly be called a city that every traveler should see at least once in his life. Its coast in many ways resembles the shores of the Black Sea already familiar to many in Georgia and the Krasnodar Territory. Nevertheless, if you love Turkey, have already visited its Mediterranean resorts and cities in the Aegean Sea, and would like to expand your horizons, then feel free to go to Trabzon. Here you will find interesting sights, good beaches and shopping opportunities. Many people visit the city as part of a trip to Sochi or Batumi, since getting to it from these points is not difficult.

Detailed overview of Trabzon, a walk around the city and useful information for travelers - in this video.

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