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Yılanlı Church
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Yılanlı Church
Yılanlı Church: Where History and Legends Meet
Introduction
One of the most striking structures in the Ihlara Valley, Yılanlı Church gets its name from the four snakes depicted in its interior frescoes. With its mystical ambiance and storytelling murals, this church captivates visitors and stands as one of the best-preserved rock-cut churches from the Byzantine era. At Viofun, we recommend visiting this site because it offers both historical depth and natural beauty.
General Information
Yılanlı Church is a rock-cut church built by Byzantine monks in the 10th century. Its most distinctive feature is the fresco scenes where four snakes punish sinners. According to belief, the figures depicted here were painted to convey moral lessons to the people. The wall frescoes offer significant insight into the religious beliefs and artistic expression of that period.
Things to Experience
Explore:
Discover the church’s interior spaces, including carved columns and areas used for religious rituals.
See:
One of the most remarkable features is the depiction of sinners being punished by snakes in the frescoes—an unforgettable artistic and spiritual detail.
Taste:
After your visit, enjoy local dishes such as gözleme, clay pot kebab, and tandoor bread at the nearby village restaurants along the Melendiz Stream.
Viofun’s Recommendation
The best time to visit Yılanlı Church is during spring or autumn. The interior of the church remains cool, making it a comfortable place to explore even in summer. For those hiking through Ihlara Valley, this is one of the most rewarding and memorable stops along the way.
Yılanlı Church: Where History and Legends Meet
Introduction
One of the most striking structures in the Ihlara Valley, Yılanlı Church gets its name from the four snakes depicted in its interior frescoes. With its mystical ambiance and storytelling murals, this church captivates visitors and stands as one of the best-preserved rock-cut churches from the Byzantine era. At Viofun, we recommend visiting this site because it offers both historical depth and natural beauty.
General Information
Yılanlı Church is a rock-cut church built by Byzantine monks in the 10th century. Its most distinctive feature is the fresco scenes where four snakes punish sinners. According to belief, the figures depicted here were painted to convey moral lessons to the people. The wall frescoes offer significant insight into the religious beliefs and artistic expression of that period.
Things to Experience
Explore:
Discover the church’s interior spaces, including carved columns and areas used for religious rituals.
See:
One of the most remarkable features is the depiction of sinners being punished by snakes in the frescoes—an unforgettable artistic and spiritual detail.
Taste:
After your visit, enjoy local dishes such as gözleme, clay pot kebab, and tandoor bread at the nearby village restaurants along the Melendiz Stream.
Viofun’s Recommendation
The best time to visit Yılanlı Church is during spring or autumn. The interior of the church remains cool, making it a comfortable place to explore even in summer. For those hiking through Ihlara Valley, this is one of the most rewarding and memorable stops along the way.
Güzelyurt
Güzelyurt: A Timeless Gem of Aksaray Once known as Gelveri, Güzelyurt is a captivating district of Aksaray steeped in history. Its stone houses, rock-carved dwellings, and breathtaking landscapes offer visitors a journey back in time. As you walk through its quiet streets, where Ottoman and Greek architectural styles intertwine, you’ll feel the soul of centuries past. If you’re seeking a peaceful and culturally rich destination off the beaten path, Güzelyurt is the perfect escape.
How to Get There
From Aksaray city center, you can take bus number 402 to reach Ihlara, and then walk through the valley trail to arrive at Yılanlı Church.
If you’re coming by private car, the distance between Aksaray and Ihlara is approximately 40 kilometers, and the drive takes around 45 minutes.
Antalya
Kemer
Entrance Ticket
Bursa
Mudanya
Entrance Ticket
İstanbul
Sarıyer
Entrance Ticket
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