Timeline
16:32
Grab a traditional pilav dish at Tarihi Kalkanoğlu Pilavı. This restaurant has been serving since 1856, the same year the church was rebuilt, making it a fitting start to your historical walk. The shop is open until 20:00, so you will have plenty of time.
16:47
Walk to St John Exoteichos Church. Founded in 1306 and rebuilt in 1856, this former Greek Orthodox church stands in good exterior condition. While the interior frescoes are lost and access is restricted as it is now an annex to a primary school, the exterior offers a quiet backdrop for the approaching sunset.
17:17
Stand outside the church and watch the sunset. On 15 January, the sun sets at 17:17 toward the WSW. The golden light starts around 16:34, providing a warm glow on the stone facade as the day ends.
17:37
End your evening at Rubenis AVM, a shopping mall located just west of the walled old town. It is open until 22:00, offering a place to rest or grab a drink after the chill of the evening sets in.
Local tip
The church is an annex to a primary school, so please respect the quiet atmosphere and do not attempt to enter the interior.
Check before you go
- Tarihi Kalkanoğlu Pilavı is open Mo-Sa 09:00-20:00.
- Rubenis AVM is open Mo-Su 10:00-22:00.
Worth knowing
- Tarihi Kalkanoğlu Pilavı is open at 16:32 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Trabzon (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).