Goreme Cappadocia :: Christian Churches

Asia, Travel, Turkey

Our next stop is Goreme Cappadocia, an area rich in Christian heritage and home to old Cappadocia churches. Perhaps posts from Things to do in Cappadocia series will help you decide which churches to visit, as it’s impossible to see them all, no matter how long your vacation lasts.

The territory of Cappadocia is divided into several areas that vary in color and composition, each distinguished by the unique shapes of “fairy chimneys” that sprout from the earth.

More than 1,000 years ago, active volcanoes frequently erupted, depositing lava over an area of 20,000 square kilometers. Volcanic ash and lava solidified into stone, and over hundreds of years, wind and erosion shaped the land into the remarkable landscape we see today.

Softer stone and soil eroded and collapsed, leaving firmer rock formations that now serve as caps atop towering pillars, commonly referred to as “fairy chimneys.”

Goreme Cappadocia :: Churches

One of the most iconic regions here, Goreme Cappadocia, hosts more than 400 churches. The ancient city of Mazaka, during the early Christian era, was a significant episcopal center and bore the name Caesarea.

Until 1071, this region was part of the Byzantine Empire. The presence of over 3,000 churches throughout Cappadocia reflects its historical importance in Greek and Orthodox Christianity. The last of the Orthodox Christians left during the two-year conflict with the Turks in 1922.

Given its deep significance to Christians, it’s no surprise that so many churches are scattered across the area of Goreme Cappadocia. Many of these Cappadocia churches are hidden within the towering fairy chimneys, making them almost unreachable to outsiders. Saint George, who was born in Cappadocia, is often depicted in these sacred spaces.

The Place You Cannot See

Christians seeking refuge from Arab raids took shelter in the valley of Goreme Cappadocia, naming the area “gor emi,” meaning “the place you cannot see.” Over time, the name evolved to Korama and eventually became Goreme.

With its striking fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches, and cave dwellings, the valley of Avchilar (17 kilometers from Nevsehir and 6 kilometers from Urgup) draws a significant number of visitors. The approximately 400 churches here highlight the religious significance of Goreme Cappadocia between the 6th and 9th centuries, along with other churches found in the Cappadocian range, including Zelve, Uchisar, Ortahisar, and Cavusin.