Trabzon Province

Castles and ruins in Trabzon

Historic Fortifications

Trabzon’s strategic position on the Black Sea is reflected in its defensive architecture, ranging from the Byzantine walls of the city center to coastal Genoese outposts. This selection features the Zaganos Pasha Tower, part of the extensive Trabzon Fortress, and the 13th-century Akçakale Castle. Beyond military sites, the list includes the cliffside Sumela Monastery and the historic Hapsiyaş Bridge, showcasing the region's diverse engineering and cultural heritage from the medieval era through the early 20th century.

Historic Fortifications — Map

A

Guzelhisar Castle

Byzantine-era ruins situated on a promontory overlooking the Black Sea, historically used for coastal surveillance.

B

Eynesil Kalesi

A small castle built on a rocky peninsula, likely of Genoese or Byzantine origin, serving as a defensive maritime outpost.

C

Akçakale Castle

A 13th-century fortress built by Emperor Alexios II of the Empire of Trebizond to protect the coastline from maritime threats.

D

Zaganos Pasha Tower

A prominent defensive tower and gate within the Trabzon city walls, featuring Ottoman-era modifications named after the Grand Vizier Zaganos Pasha.

E

Livera Kalesi Harabeleri

Medieval castle ruins located in the Maçka district, historically positioned to monitor mountain passes.

F

Sumela Monastery

A 4th-century Greek Orthodox complex carved into the Melat Mountain cliffs, featuring vibrant biblical frescoes and a rock-cut central church.

G

Hapsiyaş Bridge

A stone arch bridge built in 1935, distinguished by its unique red-tiled roof and traditional masonry.

H

Statue of Suleiman The Magnificent

A monument dedicated to the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman I, located in the Kanuni Park near his birthplace in Trabzon.

Other Lists

Trabzon Essentials Best of Trabzon Mosques & Shrines Nature & Landscapes