During the periods of Roman and Byzantine Empires’ dominance over Cappadocia, Christians inhabited the region. Cappadocia, being strategically located on trade routes, became a valuable region, frequently chosen by religious individuals for worship. Therefore, especially in the Göreme region, you can find numerous churches. One of these churches is known as the church of Saint Eustathios.
Church of Saint Eustathios
The Church of Saint Eustathios, one of the smaller churches in Cappadocia, is situated among more popular churches like the church of the virgin Mary and Tokalı church. When you look at the structure of the church, you can observe that it has a rectangular plan. With two apses, the church holds the distinction of being the only one in the Cappadocia region with this architectural feature.
Both naves are constructed with barrel vaults. The arches between these two vaults reflect the artistic understanding of the period most effectively. The church of Saint Eustathios, like many churches in the region, was constructed gradually. In the initial stage, it had only one nave. Later, in response to the needs, the church was expanded, and a second nave was added.
Additionally, the chapel added later contains noticeable remnants of graves. This suggests that the church might have been used as a refuge at some point.
The depiction of Saint Eustathios chasing a deer in the church is the reason behind the church’s name. The motif implies the moment when Saint Eustathios converted to christianity during a hunting expedition.
When looking at the history of the church, it is estimated to have been built in the 10th century based on motifs depicting scenes from the Bible. Furthermore, there is a date from the year 1148 in the church. However, it is believed that this date, written using a scratching technique, might have been added to the church at a later time.
You can easily reach the church of Saint Eustathios with your own vehicle as it is very close to the center of Göreme. However, if you don’t have a vehicle, you can reach the church through minibuses going to the Göreme open air museum. Although the church is not located inside the open air museum, it is very close. Additionally, you can join Cappadocia tours to visit numerous churches and other historical structures in the region more efficiently.
Before visiting the church of Saint Eustathios, one of the many churches in Cappadocia, it is beneficial to know from whom the church took its name. Understanding the details of the history of a work can enhance your appreciation and comprehension.
Saint Eustathios is one of the significant figures recognized by christians, having lived in the 6th century. Since he lived in the 100s AD, there are various accounts about him.
In his youth, Saint Eustathios was a pagan, and during his time, the worship of different religions was prohibited in Rome. Saint Eustathios, a wealthy general, embraced christianity influenced by visions he had while hunting. With this choice, he not only lost his wealth but also his wife and children. Although he was exiled to Egypt by the emperor of the time, he rejoined the Roman army upon request.
After the death of the Roman Emperor, he refused the pagan tradition of sacrificing to the gods. Consequently, he and his family were killed. For this reason, he is considered sacred by christians, and many churches are named after him.
Church of St. Eustathios Photos
