Rock-Cut Churches
Unique frescoes and architecture from the Byzantine era to present
Dark Church
12-13. yüzyıl · Goreme Open Air Museum
The most famous church of the Goreme Open Air Museum, the Dark Church is world-renowned for its extraordinarily preserved 12th-13th century frescoes, thanks to its few windows.
Read MoreBuckle Church
10-11. yüzyıl · Near Goreme Open Air Museum entrance
The largest and most impressive rock church in Goreme, the Buckle Church is the most important Byzantine structure in Cappadocia with its indigo blue frescoes and spacious interior.
Read MoreApple Church
11-12. yüzyıl · Goreme Open Air Museum
The cross-plan Apple Church in the Goreme Open Air Museum stands out with its well-preserved red-toned frescoes and elegant architecture.
Read MoreSnake Church
11. yüzyıl · Goreme Open Air Museum
Named after the snake in the scene of St. George slaying the dragon, the Snake Church is one of Cappadocia's most interesting churches with its rare iconographic themes.
Read MoreSt. Barbara Church
11. yüzyıl · Goreme Open Air Museum
Decorated with geometric and animal motifs in red ochre, St. Barbara Church is a unique Cappadocian church reflecting the influence of the Iconoclasm period.
Read MoreSandals Church
12-13. yüzyıl · Goreme Open Air Museum
Named after the footprints at its entrance, the Sandals Church houses beautiful examples of 12th-13th century frescoes.
Read MoreSt. Basil Church
11. yüzyıl · Goreme Open Air Museum entrance
Located at the entrance of the Goreme Open Air Museum, St. Basil Church is dedicated to St. Basil of Cappadocia and bears traces of the early Christian period.
Read MoreEl Nazar Church
7-10. yüzyıl · Goreme Valley, inside a fairy chimney
Carved into a fairy chimney in Goreme Valley, El Nazar Church is one of the oldest churches in Cappadocia, dating to the 7th century.
Read MoreHidden Church
11. yüzyıl · Goreme, near Open Air Museum
Accidentally discovered in 1957, the Hidden Church is an 11th-century structure with frescoes preserved thanks to having remained hidden for a long time.
Read MoreSwords Church
9-10. yüzyıl · Swords Valley, Goreme
Located in Swords Valley, this church takes its name from sword motifs on its walls and is an important structure of the early Byzantine period.
Read MoreVirgin Mary Church
11. yüzyıl · Goreme Open Air Museum, Nunnery
Dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the Goreme Open Air Museum, this church holds special importance as part of a nunnery complex.
Read MoreSt. Catherine Church
11. yüzyıl · Goreme Open Air Museum
Dedicated to St. Catherine, this small church is one of Goreme's important worship spaces with its simple architecture and well-preserved religious frescoes.
Read MoreSelime Cathedral
8-9. yüzyıl · Selime village, northern end of Ihlara Valley
Located at the northern end of Ihlara Valley, Selime Cathedral is the largest rock-cut church in Cappadocia, captivating with its massive dimensions and complex architecture.
Read MoreAgacalti Church
9-10. yüzyıl · Ihlara Valley, valley floor
The most important church of Ihlara Valley, Agacalti (Daniel Pantonassa) is known for its unique frescoes bearing Sasanian and Syrian art influences.
Read MoreFragrant Church
9-10. yüzyıl · Ihlara Valley, southern section
Located in the southern section of Ihlara Valley, the Fragrant Church takes its name from fragrant plants and is one of the valley's important fresco churches.
Read MoreHyacinth Church
10-11. yüzyıl · Ihlara Valley
The Hyacinth Church in Ihlara Valley takes its name from the hyacinth flowers around it and is one of the most accessible churches in the valley.
Read MorePancarlik Church
11. yüzyıl · Urgup, Pancarlik Valley
Located near Urgup, Pancarlik Church is a rock church named after its location amidst beet gardens, featuring well-preserved frescoes.
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