Tokali Church is an enormous church crafted into the rock near the Göreme Open Air Museum. It is considered even more remarkable than the many other carved churches in the area due to its sheer size, striking underground chapel and ninth-century frescoes that tell the story of Christ. Meander through the underground tunnels away from typical museum crowds as you explore this ancient gem.
When you arrive at the church, take a moment to consider its size, since it dwarfs its rivals in the Cappadocia district. The cave complex comprises several chambers.
Peruse the Old Church section, which dates back to the ninth century. Marvel at the 32 scenes portraying significant moments in the life of Christ. Artists painted these detailed and complex masterpieces more than a millennium ago. Note the excessive use of red and green in the images, which were completed between the ninth and 11th centuries.
Reach the New Church, which is accessible only via its predecessor. It was constructed about a century after the Old Church and is far larger. It is also more ornate and colorful, with fresco cycles depicting saints and martyrs. Admire scenes that portray the Miracles and the Passion.
The church has elegant columns and arches decorated by murals with a strong use of indigo coloring. Descend to the crypt below the nave, where religious services and burials took place. Navigate tunnels to explore the other chambers of the complex.
Although not officially a part of the Göreme Open Air Museum, the church is included in the ticket price. Find it at the bottom of a hill between the museum and the town of Göreme. Restoration of the church took place in the 1980s. In English, the site’s name translates as the Buckle Church.
Tokali Church is based just outside the Göreme Open Air Museum, which is about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) north of Göreme. The Aynali Church and the Love Valley are among the popular attractions in the area.
