Cave Churches in Türkiye

By Linda Tancs

A highlight of any Cappadocian itinerary in Türkiye is Göreme Open Air Museum, a treasure trove of ancient cave churches. A brief walk from Göreme’s village center, the UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a cluster of rock-cut churches with stunning frescoes. The most famous of them (commanding a separate entrance fee) is Dark Church, so named because it received little light through a small window in the narthex. As a result, its frescoes are vibrant and well preserved and include scenes such as the Annunciation, Journey to Bethlehem, Nativity, Baptism, Raising of Lazarus, Transfiguration, Entry into Jerusalem, Last Supper, Betrayal of Judas and the Crucifixion. Buckle Church, the oldest of the cave churches, is located outside of the open-air museum complex but does not require a fee.