The Selime Monastery in Cappadocia is the largest religious structure in the area, with a large cathedral carved directly into the rock. The site has also served as a stop for caravans along the Silk Road, and today it is an exciting destination for tourists.
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Monastery of Selime in Cappadocia
The monastery of Selime is a fascinating and exciting place to visit, with imaginative formations and history dating back to the 7th or 8th century.
Selime Monastery is located 28 kilometres from Aksary, at the end of the Ihlara Valley in Cappadocia.
From Christian centre to stop along the Silk Road
The monastery of Selime in Cappadocia is said to date back to the 7th or 8th century. This was during the Byzantine era and Selime became a centre of Christian religion. The monastery was also used as a fortress, and it was defended on several occasions against attacking groups.
The church is divided into three sections, and each room is magnificent with powerful arches and beautiful decorations. You can also see the kitchen and stables, which were used by the monks. For example, you can see carved handles for tying up horses and places for candles.
One of the church rooms also contains frescoes from the 10th and 11th centuries.
Over time, the monastery was transformed into a 'caravan centre', i.e. an inn and shelter for caravans of merchants. Many came along the The Silk Road and passed Selime, where there was also a large bazaar. The monastery building provided the merchants with a safe and secure place to stay before continuing their journey.
The trade route was abandoned in favour of faster waterway transport and in the 16th century the monastery of Selime was abandoned.
Cemetery
Right next to the monastery is a cemetery, which is apparently designed in a manner typical of the area.
Visiting the monastery of Selime in Cappadocia
We went by car to the monastery of Selime from our hotel in Göreme, a drive of about an hour and a quarter. It is also possible to hike here, if you go through the beautiful Ihlara valley. Hiking from Belisirma to Selime takes about two hours. There's a small ticket office at the front of the site, and once you've bought a ticket, you can get on.
Clear arrows show you how to get around the site, between different halls and viewpoints.
Where it's a bit steep, stairs and railings have been built to make it easy to get around this fascinating area.
The area is truly magically beautiful, and there's nothing wrong with the view either!
However, the most interesting thing is to see the different church rooms. It is so amazing that this was carved directly into the rock!
Film from Selime Monastery
More to see and do in the neighbourhood
In the nearby village of Selime, there is apparently a monumental tomb, the Selime Sultan Turbe, which is the only one of its kind in Anatolia, and can be interesting to see. It is also nice to explore the rest of Ihlara Valley, with beautiful scenery, cosy floating restaurants and several small cave chapels.
Of course, in Cappadocia you can also fly a hot air balloon or maybe try Turkish wine, riding at sunset or stay in a real cave hotel. Or why not visit the underground city of Derinkuyu?
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Have you visited the monastery of Selime?
Have you visited Selime Monastery in Cappadocia? Do you like this kind of sights?
Facts about Selime Monastery in Cappadocia
- Country: Turkey
- Region: Anatolia
- Area: Cappadocia
- Provins: Aksaray
- District: Güzelyurt
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BP says:
Cappadocia is truly full of surprises. I have never seen such an exciting area, where it is best to let your imagination run wild. Cappadocia is absolutely fantastic! Thank you so much for letting me ride shotgun with you as usual:-)
24 October 2021 - 15:04
Helena says:
Can only agree! Cappadocia surprised us a lot! We had seen pictures before, but hadn't realised that the landscape looks like this everywhere, or the huge amount of caves, cave hotels, mountain churches... fascinating!
25 October 2021 - 8:26
Frizz says:
Will not visit Turkey until they get their act together on so many levels politically. The current Mr President is the world's weirdo. But one can still like your pictures.
25 October 2021 - 5:39
Helena says:
This is an important aspect that you bring up! The political situation can of course be discussed as well as how to behave. We have discussed this many times (regarding many different countries in the world) but ended up thinking that it is still important to have cultural meetings across borders, regardless of the government. We also think that ordinary people in a country depend on people staying in their hotels, eating in their restaurants etc regardless of the regime their country has. But, it's an important issue and of course it can be discussed in many ways.
25 October 2021 - 8:30