Kiremitli Attractions

Kücük Konak, a village 46km/29mi south of Trabzon, is the starting point for a 10km/7mi walk to the Vazelon Monastery (St John of Vazelon) which is set on a rock high above the Degirmendere valley. It is one of the most important Pontic monasteries and was used by Justinian as a look-out post to warn of attacks from hostile mountain tribes. The monastery was linked with Trapezunt by a cobbled road (King's Road). The main building which has been altered many times stands in front of a cave. The nearby Chapel of St John (John the Baptist) which was built by Manuel III in 1410 contains the remains of some paintings.