Selime Monastery: The Largest Monastery in Cappadocia

Selime Monastery is one of the largest and most impressive monasteries in Cappadocia. Located at the end of the Ihlara Valley, the monastery was built between the 8th and 11th centuries. Carved into the rock, this massive structure was used both as a place of worship and as a fortress. Inside the monastery, there are churches, kitchens, cisterns, and living quarters. The main church, also known as Selime Cathedral, is notable for its two-story structure and detailed frescoes. These frescoes depict scenes from the Bible and figures reflecting the social life of the period.

Selime Monastery is not only an important religious building but also a significant center for understanding the history and culture of Cappadocia. The monastery offers visitors the opportunity to travel back in time and observe how people lived in that era.