Ihlara Vadisi Archaeological Sitevisitor guide.

DEEP ETERNITY WITHIN THE VALLEY COUNTLESS CHURCHES IN THE GRAND CANYON Counted among the grandest canyons in the world, Ihlara Valley has been an essential religious sanctuary since the founding eras of Christianity. There are countless rock-cut churches and historic dwelling spaces throughout this 14-kilometer canyon. PEOPLE OF THE WINDING WATER The volcanic layer created centuries ago by eruptions of Mount Hasan formed Ihlara Valley through erosion by natural forces and the Melendiz Stream. Reaching heights of up to 120 meters, this breathtaking canyon begins at Ihlara Town and stretches through Belisırma and Yaprakhisar towards Selime. Due to the Melendiz flowing along the canyon, ancient inhabitants were called 'Peristremma', meaning 'people of the winding water'. Pioneering Christian clergymen flourished in the region from the 4th century onwards. The foremost figures include Basil of Caesarea, who established monastic rules differing from Egypt and Syria, and Saint Gregory of Nazianzus, who introduced a theological exposition on the Holy Trinity. 14 OF 105 CHURCHES OPEN TO VISITS In the territory encompassing Belisırma, Ihlara, and Güzelyurt within Cappadocia, visitors descending 382 steps and following the lush valley floor encounter numerous churches and living quarters. Facilitated by local geology, churches adorned with frescoes were carved into native cliffs in keeping with monastic devotion. 14 of 105 churches—Ağaçaltı, Sümbüllü, Yılanlı, Kokar, Pürenliseki, Eğritaş, Direkli, Saint George, Karagedik, Ala, Bezirhane, Bahattin Samanlığı, and Batkın—are open to visitors. While Eastern artistic influences appear in churches near Ihlara, Byzantine-style wall paintings dominate those near Belisırma. WHILE YOU ARE HERE... Benefit from thermal waters of Ziga Hot Springs at the canyon head and take a restful break at pergolas over Melendiz Stream in Belisırma Village. DOWNLOAD MUSEUM BROCHURE NEARBY MUSEUMS SARATLI KIRKGÖZ UNDERGROUND CITY AKSARAY MONASTERY VALLEY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE ST. MERCURIUS UNDERGROUND CITY AKSARAY MUSEUM AŞIKLI MOUND