TRABZON
At the east end of the Black Sea, the celebrated city of Trabzon was founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century B.C. and became an important mercantile and trading center. Today's modern Trabzon retains much of its old charm, and many parts of city offer
reminders of its past. The 13th Century church of St. Sophia is one of the most notable of the Byzantine monuments and it contains excellent examples of Byzantine painting.

The Monastery of Sumela, built into the side of a high cliff in the mountains outside of Trabzon, within the National Park of Altindere, is must to see...