St. Barbara Church
Decorated with geometric and animal motifs in red ochre, St. Barbara Church is a unique Cappadocian church reflecting the influence of the Iconoclasm period.
Iconoclastic Decoration
St. Barbara Church shares similar architectural features with other Goreme churches with its cross plan. However, its wall decorations are entirely different. Geometric patterns, crosses, and stylized animal figures made with red ochre reflect the attitude toward figurative art during the Iconoclasm period.
A large grasshopper motif is found on the north wall of the church, and a rooster figure on the west wall. These animal motifs shed light on early Christian beliefs with their symbolic meanings.
Scenes
Related Churches
Snake Church
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.
Apple Church
The cross-plan Apple Church in the Goreme Open Air Museum stands out with its well-preserved red-toned frescoes and elegant architecture.
St. Basil Church
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.