Selime Monastery

The largest religious structure in Cappadocia, Selime Cathedral, is carved into a volcanic rock and is essentially a part of Selime Monastery that has been turned into a museum because of its historical significance. Located atop the Ihlara Valley, you will have to hike up through rocky caves to reach the monastery.

The church wears an archaic and ancient look as only faint outlines of the detailed frescoes and diamond and spade patterns on the walls remain visible today, and it is mostly in ruins. The site, dating back to the 8th or 9th century BC, also includes an enormous kitchen, stables, two halls, and other rooms sculpted around two adjacent courtyards. The depictions inside the basilica include Ascension, Annunciation and Mother Mary. You will be able to find signs of early civilisations, including Hittites, Persians, Romans, Early Christians, Byzantines, Seljuk Turks and Ottomans, at the site. The columns and arches of the church still bear the tales of the settlements on its walls.