Goreme – Heart of Cappadocia
Göreme was one of the oldest sites in cappadocia and called Maccan in ancient ages. The oldest form of the name of the city can be found in book ‘’The Doing of St. Hieron’’. Maccan was not well-protected from outsiders so it was exposed to Arab irruption and lost the most of it’s good population. Only after the end of Arab invasions Maçan churches were built again. It is believed that the city was located by the riverside at the beginning and the two pillared mausoleums were the the proof of this belief.
There are five churches in and aroud Göreme the biggest of which is Durmus Kadir Church (built in the 6th or 7th century) and the pillars and preacher’s desk are protected well till today. The other churches were built in the 10th and 11th centuries after the Arab irruption. The most recent one was Yusuf Koc Church built in the 11th century and Göreme had an episcopate at that time. Bezirhani Church and the Orta Mahalli Churches are located in the city and the farthest one is the Church of Karabulut dating back to the 11th century takes 30 minutes to reach on foot.
Goreme Rock Houses
The most impressive settlement of the region is the village of Göreme which is a unique example of harmony of man and nature. People still live in those rock houses or use them for varity of purposes which shows their great respect for volcanic earth and history. There are not only rock houses in Village of Göreme but also amazing rock restaurants and hotels for visitors. The high rocks and fairy chimneys are the natural boundaries of the city, and the place is full of incredible natural treasures.
Goreme Open Air Museum’s Church
The most impressive settlement of the region is the village of Göreme which is a unique example of harmony of man and nature. People still live in those rock houses or use them for varity of purposes which shows their great respect for volcanic earth and history. There are not only rock houses in Village of Göreme but also amazing rock restaurants and hotels for visitors. The high rocks and fairy chimneys are the natural boundaries of the city, and the place is full of incredible natural treasures.
Church of St. Barbara
One of the most impressive structures in the museum is the Church of St. Barbara. This church was built in the 11th century and features stunning frescoes that depict scenes from the life of Jesus and other religious figures. The frescoes are well-preserved and display vibrant colors, giving visitors an idea of what medieval religious art may have looked like.
Church of St. John the Baptist as known “Dark Church”
Another notable structure in the museum is the Dark Church, also known as the Church of St. John the Baptist. This church is located behind a pay wall, but it’s worth the small fee to see the interior, which is adorned with some of the finest frescoes in the museum. The name “Dark Church” comes from the fact that the interior is not lit by natural light, which has helped to preserve the frescoes over time.St. Basil’s Church
Cappadocia St. Basil’s Chapel is a indiscriminate, yet intriguing, church inside the Open Air Museum. This small church, located just after the so-called nunnery, It is the first church when you come from city center of Goreme side to the Open Air Museum.
St. Basil’s Chapel’s interior carving of represents the destiture craftsmanship in Göreme open air. Rock walls are crooked, pillars are disproportioned, and the surface remains rough.
Apple Church
The Apple Church is a significant religious landmark located in Cappadocia, Turkey. This unique church is known for its distinctive apple-shaped dome and intricate frescoes that adorn its walls. The church was built in the 11th century and has since become a popular tourist attraction. The Apple Church is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. People from all over the world come to visit this beautiful church and marvel at its artistic and architectural beauty. The Apple Church is an excellent example of the religious and artistic traditions of the Byzantine era and is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, art, and culture.
Snake Church
The Snake Church is a one-of-a-kind destination that has been drawing in visitors from all over the world for decades. This incredible Christian church is built directly into the side of a hill, and is known for its stunning frescoes and intricate stonework. But what truly sets the Snake Church apart is its namesake: live snakes that slither around the altar during religious ceremonies. It’s a truly awe-inspiring sight, and one that you’ll never forget. So whether you’re a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or just someone who loves a good adventure, make sure to add the Snake Church to your Cappadocia itinerary.
