Sacred Sites of Cappadocia

This collection highlights the spiritual evolution of Cappadocia, featuring early Christian rock-cut complexes and traditional Islamic architecture. The list includes the multi-level Monastery of St Nicholas in Mustafapaşa and the soot-covered frescoes of the 13th-century Keşlik Monastery. In the Red Valley, the 9th-century Hacli and Grape churches showcase unique relief carvings and iconoclastic-era symbols, while the Ali Reis Camisi represents the region's later architectural heritage.

A

Monastary of St Nicholas

A multi-level rock-cut complex in Mustafapaşa featuring a decorative stone facade and several interconnected chapels that served the local Greek Orthodox community until the early 20th century.

B

Keşlik Manastır

A 13th-century monastic complex near Cemil village. It contains the Archangel and St. Stephen churches, a large refectory, and a winery, with frescoes preserved under layers of historical soot.

C

Açıksaray

Visit this former village carved into rock. The dwellings are in the shape of mushrooms, human faces or trees.

D

Hacli Church

A 9th-century rock-cut church in the Red Valley, distinguished by a large cross carved in high relief on the ceiling and a well-preserved fresco of Christ Pantocrator in the apse.

E

Grape Church

An 8th or 9th-century church in the Red Valley featuring frescoes of grape clusters and geometric patterns. The structure includes a small barrel-vaulted nave and a dedicated burial chamber.