Churches of Cappadocia
Turkey

Churches of Cappadocia (Turkey) - churches and houses carved into the tufa rocks

Where is located Churches of Cappadocia?

Address of Churches of Cappadocia is Cappadocia, Turkey
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When was built Churches of Cappadocia?

Built date of Churches of Cappadocia is From 412, e.

Churches of Cappadocia

Facts, informations and history of Churches of Cappadocia

Cappadocia, located in central Turkey, is one of the most magical places on Earth. Famous for its unusual rock formations, underground cities and rock-cut churches, it attracts thousands of tourists every year. In this article I will take you on a fascinating journey through the rock churches of Cappadocia, discovering their history, secrets and extraordinary beauty.

 

History and creation of rock churches

Cappadocia owes its unusual rock formations to volcanic activity that took place thousands of years ago. Volcanoes ejected huge amounts of ash, mud and lava, which over time formed layers of soft volcanic tuff. Weathering such as rain and wind slowly removed the soft material, leaving the more resistant stone in the form of fanciful turrets and chimneys. These unusual formations, called fairy chimneys, have become a characteristic element of the Cappadocian landscape.

The first churches carved in the rocks of Cappadocia appeared already in the Byzantine period, mainly in the 10th and 11th centuries, although some are much older. Christians, fleeing from persecution, found shelter in hard-to-reach valleys and caves. It was here, in secret, that they began to create their temples. In the Göreme valley there are about 365 churches and chapels carved in the rock, which symbolically corresponds to the number of days in the year. However, there are many more of these extraordinary places throughout Cappadocia.

 

Architecture and art in rock churches

One of the most fascinating aspects of Cappadocia's rock churches are their interiors, decorated with extremely well-preserved frescoes. These frescoes, hidden from daylight, have retained their colors for centuries, which makes them unique in the world.

For example, in the Serpent Church (Yilami Kilise) we can admire paintings depicting a snake, which is a symbol of evil and sin. However, in the Apple Church (Elmali Kilise), the frescoes depict scenes from the life of Christ, such as his birth, baptism, and crucifixion. These paintings not only had a decorative but also educational function, helping believers better understand the history and teachings of Christ.

Cappadocia's rock churches vary in size and shape, from small chapels to sprawling basilicas. The construction of these temples required not only sculpting skills, but also deep knowledge of the structure of rocks. Church interiors are often divided into several sections, with a nave, side aisles, an apse, and a narthex (vestibule). In some churches you can also find additional rooms, such as a sacristy, which was used to store liturgical items.

 

Underground cities and their importance

Cappadocia is not only about rock churches, but also vast underground cities that offered shelter to thousands of people. The most famous of them are Kaymakli and Derinkuyu. Kaymakli is a maze of tunnels and chambers stretching over four levels, while Derinkuyu reaches as many as eight underground levels. These underground cities were true engineering marvels, with ventilation systems, food storage, wells and living quarters.

Life in the underground cities was certainly difficult, but also safe. The underground corridors and chambers were carefully designed to protect the inhabitants from invasions. During times of danger, the entrances to cities were blocked with large, round stones that could only be easily moved from the inside. There were also places of worship in the underground cities, which proves the deep faith and religiosity of their inhabitants.

 

Curiosities and tourist importance

Cappadocia is full of legends and stories that make it even more charming. One of the most popular legends tells about Saint Georgewho was supposed to fight a dragon in one of the Cappadocian valleys. These stories, although often fantastic, are an integral part of the region's cultural heritage and attract tourists from all over the world.

Today, Cappadocia is one of the most important tourist destinations in Turkey. Its unique landscapes and historical treasures attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. In response to the growing interest, local authorities and international organizations have undertaken numerous actions to protect this valuable heritage. Thanks to them, we can still admire extraordinary churches and underground cities in their full glory.

Cappadocia also had a huge impact on the culture and art not only of Turkey, but also of the entire world. The unusual frescoes and architecture of rock churches have been an inspiration for many artists and researchers. Today we can see the influence of the Cappadocian style in various forms of art, from painting to literature.

 

Balloon flights over Cappadocia

One of the most exciting ways to admire Cappadocia is to ride in a hot air balloon. Morning balloon flights offer unforgettable views of the rising sun illuminating fabulous chimneys, valleys and rock churches. The balloons float gently above the landscape, giving you the opportunity to admire this magical place from a completely new perspective.

Balloon flights usually start very early in the morning, just before sunrise. Preparations for the flight include filling the balloons with hot air, which is a spectacular event in itself. When the balloon is ready, passengers get into the basket and then the balloon slowly rises into the air. The flight usually lasts about an hour, and the pilots, with extensive experience, carefully control the altitude and route to ensure the best possible views.

Balloon flights are extremely safe, and companies organizing such attractions adhere to the highest safety standards. Pilots are well trained and licensed, and equipment is regularly checked and maintained. Passenger comfort is also a priority - the baskets are spacious, and you can take photos, talk and enjoy the views during the flight.

A hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia is an experience that will last a lifetime. The sight of hundreds of balloons floating simultaneously over an extraordinary landscape is a real feast for the senses. This is the perfect opportunity to see Cappadocia in all its glory and capture wonderful moments in photos. For many people, it is one of the main attractions when visiting this region and an unforgettable experience that is worth experiencing at least once in your life.

 

Summary

The rock churches of Cappadocia are a real treasure that have survived centuries, delighting subsequent generations with their beauty and history. Cappadocia is a place where the past meets the present, creating a unique landscape full of secrets and wonders. If you ever have the opportunity to visit this extraordinary region, do not hesitate for a moment. Immerse yourself in the magical world of rock churches and underground cities, discovering the stories that have shaped this extraordinary place over the centuries.

Construction/building type

Building Churches of Cappadocia is of type Churches

Architectural style

Architectural style of Churches of Cappadocia is Byzantine

The Byzantine architectural style is one of the most important and enduring architectural styles in history, having its origins in the Byzantine Empire that existed in Eastern Europe and Asia Minor from the 5th century to the 15th century. ... czytaj więcej.

What material is the building made of?

Churches of Cappadocia is made of the following materials: Stone

Is the building on the UNESCO World Heritage List?

UNESCO
Yes, the building Churches of Cappadocia is inscribed on the UNESCO List under the reference 357.
The listing took place in the year 1985.
Details of the entry are available on the Unesco website at https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/357/

Official website

The official website of the building, where up-to-date information can be found, is http://www.goturkey.com/en/place/detail/cappadocia

Comments to Churches of Cappadocia (6) Average rating: 4 Add comment    /    Rate building

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#0
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Based on 6 comments
stefan
#6
stefan
4 years ago
to niezbity dowód na to że człowiek to zwierzę stadne. Żyjąc i budując takie 'mrowiska' które niczym się nie różnią z daleka od kopców termitów
Overall rating: detailed ratings
paulinka
#5
paulinka
19 years ago
Muszę przyznać że Kapadocja to naprawdębardzo urokliwe miejsce!!Jeżeli ktoś nie wie gdzie się wybraćna wakacje polecam Turcję!
anka
#4
anka
19 years ago
byłam i kapadocja jest cudowna. Trzeba tam być. To zadziwiajace jak kiedys wyglądały kościoły
agnes
#3
agnes
20 years ago
boze wszystko oki ale gdzie opis styli bizantyjskiego potrzebny mi na historie prosze przeslijcie mi go e-mail
w
#2
w
20 years ago
Pracując 4 lata przy budowie tuneli w Turcji zwiedziłem również piękną kapadocję.Wrażenia niesamowite.Mieszkancy tych terenów mieli szeroką wiedzę jak budować i żyć w takich podziemnych budowlach.WK
beata zbonikowska
#1
beata zbonikowska
22 years ago
Zelve, Ihlara i Goreme - tak, to cud natury.

Location on map / How to get there

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