Agacalti Church

Before we talk about Agacalti Church; Cappadocia is one of the most beautiful regions of Turkey. When you go here and look around, it is so full of wonders that you will be amazed. How is Cappadocia so beautiful? The question will blow your mind. Grace is flowing from every location, like the lace knitted by the most ingenious mother. For lovers of natural beauty or those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the place where they live, they can visit the many valleys of Cappadocia and taste the peace. At the same time, Cappadocia, which has a great historical value, is a jewel that embodied the first Christians. Underground cities, open-air museums, churches, chapels, and monasteries built by people who lived in ancient times will fill you up in terms of history. Here you will find a short article about the Agaçalti Church.

Churches are among the historical places. The churches carved into the Fairy Chimneys and the frescoes drawn on the walls of these churches, as well as the reliefs made on the walls, will fascinate you. One of the churches we mentioned is the Agaçaltı Church. Located in Ihlara Valley, Agaçaltı Church is as important and valuable as other churches in Cappadocia. Before we come to the Agaçaltı Church section, which is the subject of our article, let’s look at what Ihlara Valley is like.

Ihlara Valley

It is one of the Cappadocia valleys that you must visit and see when you go to Cappadocia. Among the sources found, her name is Peristremma. Ihlara Valley, full of chapels and churches, is a very rich place not only in terms of history but also naturally. Ihlara Valley, located in the Guzelyut district of Aksaray, is in a very important position among the canyons in the world. This valley, which contains perhaps thousands of living spaces, is one of the largest canyons.

In terms of nature, Ihlara Valley attracts the attention of tourists. There is huge greenery on one side of the steep and narrow valley. There are vineyards and gardens. When we leave all that aside, you will see that magnificent nature is hidden on the slopes of the Ihlara Valley. Thanks to its fertile soil, pistachios, and many other vegetables or, so to speak, plants grow.
When we pass by its nature and look at its history. There are many churches carved into the rocks. As a result of the research, it was seen that the first examples of these churches were built in the fourth century after the millennium. Studies have divided church structures into two. One is “Byzantine”, and the other is “Cappadocia “.

There are many churches in the Ihlara Valley that you should visit. These churches, which are the main subject of our article, are Agacalti Church, Sumbullu Church, Kokar Church, Purenliseki Church, Egritaş Church, Kırkdamaltı Church, Karagedik Church, Ala Church, Beirhane Church, Bahattin Samanlığı Church, and Batkın Church.

Agacalti Church

In the list of places to visit in Ihlara Valley, we say that it is the most preferred place. It acts as the closest church to the entrance of the valley. Therefore, it is the most visited church in this region/valley.

The church is accessed from the second floor because its main entrance is underground. The reason why its name is Agacaltı is, according to a rumor, the church was entered with tree branches in ancient times. According to another source, it was called St. Daniel, based on the fresco of the Prophet Daniel among the lions. As well according to an inscription inside the church, it is said to be called the Pantanassa Church.

However, the most striking point in the church is that the lion frescoes painted on the church wall are not specific to Christians. Rather, it is unique to Iran.
The frescoes found here determined that it belongs to the 9-11 century. In an article in the church, Hz. It is emphasized that Mary is the “queen of the heavens”.
Agacaltı Church, which has a free cross plan, has a rimmed dome. At the same time, the arms of the cross are covered with a barrel vault. Unfortunately, the south side and the main apse leading to the main room were destroyed. Today, the Agacaltı Church is entered from the ruined apse. It contains many frescoes. Agacaltı Church is a masterpiece that you should visit when you go to Cappadocia.

Accommodation In Cappadocia

Accommodation is an issue that will never be risked during your trip to Cappadocia. We will be happy to welcome you to MDC Hotel to provide a perfect accommodation experience. If you want to increase your activities in Cappadocia during your stay at the MDC Hotel, you can also participate in the activities organized by the MDC Hotel itself. With the spacious structure of our rooms in the cave hotel concept, the cleanliness of the hotel, the excellent service, and the caring and helpful attitude of our staff, we offer you even more of the features you are looking for in a hotel. To plan your stay, you can reserve the room that best suits your needs right away.