Cappadocian Cave Churches

Cappadocia in central Turkey has a long christian tradition. As it is easy to dig caves into the soft tuff rocks, the Cappadocian valleys became a home for eremites, monks and christian refugees. Many caves have been decorated with colourfull frescoes.

Selime is one of the biggest monasteries in Cappadocia. Cut into the soft tuff rocks, it contains many caves for all the different needs of a medieval life in a monastery. UNESCO World Heritage
Selime is one of the biggest monasteries in Cappadocia. Cut into the soft tuff rocks, it contains many caves for all the different needs of a medieval life in a monastery. UNESCO World Heritage
The valley of Erdemli houses the remains of a Byzantine settlement from the 9th to 13th centuries. In addition to the so-called Saray Manastırı (palace monastery) with its richly structured façade, large cave church and various economic areas in t...
The valley of Erdemli houses the remains of a Byzantine settlement from the 9th to 13th centuries. In addition to the so-called Saray Manastırı (palace monastery) with its richly structured façade, large cave church and various economic areas in t...
The valley of Erdemli houses the remains of a Byzantine settlement from the 9th to 13th centuries. In addition to the so-called Saray Manastırı (palace monastery) with its richly structured façade, large cave church and various economic areas in t...
The valley of Erdemli houses the remains of a Byzantine settlement from the 9th to 13th centuries. In addition to the so-called Saray Manastırı (palace monastery) with its richly structured façade, large cave church and various economic areas in t...
The byzantine cave church of Tagar had been cut into the rock in the shape of a cross. The wallpaintings are dated to the 11th century.
This cave church had been built above the old village of Cavucin inside a huge tuff rock. Originally it had a front with several columns which were visible from far away, but an earthquake made the whole front break down. After the Greek-Turkish p...
Pancarlık Kilise: The mainly green and red frescoes are from the end of the 9th century. This church was in use until 1922 and the candles indicate that there are still people coming to pray.
This rock contained hundreds of cave houses. To many to withstand a small earthquake in 1963 which caused severe damages and forced the people to move to the valley. Here we are underneath the old cave church with a completely broken down front pa...
A very well preserved cave church in the tuff rocks of Soganli in Cappadocia. On the wall opposite the entrance are still some remains of the old frescoes.
This cave church (10./11.century) is in the Cappadocian Kızılçukur-Valley. The apse shows the incarnation of God and the roof is decorated with a monumental cross. - UNESCO World Heritage
Meskendir valley between Cavusin and Göreme in Cappadocia, with cave churches and tuff rocks. UNESCO World Heritage since 1985.