The Selime Monastery is a monastery complex carved out of tuff rocks, which includes a church, monks' cells, utility rooms and animal stalls. The complex is located at the end of the Ihlara Valley, near the village of Selime. The monastery was carved out of the rocks in the 8th and 9th centuries during the Byzantine era. It is believed that it was founded by Saint Proclus, who was active in the region in the 4th century. In the 12th century, the region came under the control of the Seljuks, and the monastery was used as a fortress. The monastery was a center of education for monks and clergymen, as well as a place where the military headquarters of the region was located. In the 16th century, the complex was abandoned and fell into disrepair. The church is the largest building in the complex, it has a nave with three apses, two side aisles and a narthex. The church has a large dome supported by columns and arches. Columns and arches in many rooms have been preserved inside the complex. In the church, you can see frescoes of early Christianity and symbols carved in stone. At the top of the monastery there is a view of the valley. Entrance to the monastery is paid or according to the museum card. Modern fences and paths have been installed inside the complex to make the inspection comfortable and safe. Don't forget to bring comfortable shoes and clothes, as there are many stairs and passageways inside the complex. They charged 50 lire for parking near the road.

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Pavel Sindrevich

Level 30 Local Expert

Once it was an entire monastic fortress complex with all the traditional buildings. By the way, the temple is the largest in Cappadocia. Over time, the Seljuks sent the monks away and set up a caravanserai here. Some openings have even been widened so that camels can go inside, so it's spacious to walk there. But seriously, the complex is interesting and easily accessible.

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Мория

Level 9 Local Expert

We arrived in the evening, when it was already closed. Admission is 15 euros, accepted in lira. The guard wouldn't let me in. But! If you go around to the right near the cemetery, then parking there is free and you can enter the territory. It's very beautiful in the evening. You can walk around inside the complex, there are open churches with images and saints. If you really want, you can climb into the dovecote and onto the top of the complex. You just have to be careful if you want to go upstairs.

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Selime Cathedral

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