The Selime Monastery is an enormous structure crafted into the red rock of a mountain. See the bizarre terrain of surging dark orange hills, natural arches and dark holes for entrances, which are often compared to the otherworldly effects of the Star Wars movie saga. The monastery is said to date back to the eighth century, although the religious frescoes were added several centuries later. It is among the largest of its kind in the region.
Most visitors arrive at the monastery on tour buses and explore the historic site on foot with a docent. Learn about the origins of the site that belonged to many dynasties, notably the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. The monastery complex was seen as the headquarters of the religious activity in the area, where the monks and priests were trained.
Clamber into the black holes in the side of the red cliff to look around the monastery’s cathedral. Peruse ancient works of art depicting biblical tales with images of Mother Mary and the Ascension. Perfectly carved rock columns and arches divide the church into sections.
Marvel at the sheer size of the monastery as you navigate the various tunnels and cave rooms. It comprises bedrooms, a kitchen and a stable for mules, which provided the monks’ main method of transportation. The frescoes have faded with time but markings and relics from the monks, such as carved icons, remain.
Make your way to the top of the monastery, which served as a fortress. Meander through the small passageways and climb ladders into seemingly hidden rooms. Capture photos of the view from a window in the fortress. The terrain is supposedly one of the main inspirations for the wacky sets of the Star Wars films.
The Selime Monastery is based in the Ihlara Valley, just outside Cappadocia. Get on a tour bus for the 50-mile (80.4-kilometer) journey from Göreme, which should take about 2 hours. It is about 1 mile (1.7 kilometers) south of the small settlement of Selime. When you arrive on the bus or by car, ascend a relatively steep hill to reach the monastery.
