The El Nazar church, located in Cappadocia, which captivates hearts with its aesthetic beauty and nature, is one of the many churches in the region. Within the borders of Cappadocia, there are many churches with different characteristics. These churches have distinct values with their historical textures, scenes inside, and architectural structures. One of the hundreds of churches in the Cappadocia region is the El Nazar Church. With its natural historical beauty and frescoes inside, it is among the churches that must be seen.
Visitors to Cappadocia are immediately drawn to the churches in the region. These churches have various features and are worth seeing. Historical structures that have managed to survive from centuries ago to the present are of great importance. With Cappadocia becoming a center for the Christian religion, there has been an increase in the number of religious figures and churches in the region. Visitors cannot help but be enchanted while exploring the churches here. The first choice for those who want to visit the churches built by the early Christians in this region in ancient times is the El Nazar church.
Features of El Nazar Church
El Nazar Church is among the churches that must be seen due to its distinctive features. Located approximately 800 meters away from the Göreme Open-Air Museum road, El Nazar church is on the right side of this location. The church is situated within the Valley and carved into the fairy chimneys, which are common throughout Cappadocia. It has a T-shaped plan, and its cross arms are in the form of a barrel vault. The floor of the church has been damaged, but in recent years, it has undergone significant restoration. Following the restoration, the church has been opened to visitors. Although there is no precise information about the church’s history, it is believed to date back to the 10th century.
El Nazar Church holds great importance in terms of its frescoes. Inside, various frescoes depict scenes such as the Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, Adoration of the Magi, Flight to Egypt, Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, Pursuit of Elizabeth, Baptism, Raising of Lazarus, Transfiguration, and Entry into Jerusalem. Different frescoes, including scenes like Jesus on the Cross, Descent into Hell, and Ascension of Jesus, can be observed. The church also features saints in medallions. Due to its unique frescoes, El Nazar church deserves a place among the churches that must be visited.
When Cappadocia is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is churches. In the Cappadocia region adorned with churches, it is possible to find churches with diverse features and historical textures. The historical significance and abundance of churches in the region are as remarkable as the beauty of the fairy chimneys. Travelers with ample time are recommended to explore the important churches located here. You can find detailed descriptions of all the churches in our category of Cappadocian Churches.
It is one of the must-see churches located within the boundaries of Cappadocia, situated in the village of Sivrihisar. It is a central church in Cappadocia and is easily accessible. The church has a three-aisled cross plan. Its roof is intact, distinguishing it from other churches in the vicinity. The exterior walls and dome are standing, although a significant portion of the vaults is in a state of ruin. It is speculated that this place was a mortuary church. The presence of water sources next to the church has increased the speculation that it was a religious center.
It is among both the oldest and most magnificent churches within the town of Cappadocia. It is estimated to date back to the year 964. The front part of the church has collapsed, attributed to erosion. The entrance of the church is carved into the rock. At the rear, there is a triple basilica dedicated to John the Baptist.
The Church of St. John the Baptist is located in the village of Cavusin, a significant figure as he baptized Jesus. The dance of Salome, which led to the killing of John, is depicted on the walls of this church. Additionally, relics of Saint Hieron from the Byzantine period are found in this church. The red-colored frescoes on the front of the church immediately catch the eye. With iron stairs, this church is remarkably attention-grabbing both in its structure and the frescoes it houses.
This church, located within the Ihlara Valley, consists of two sections. The icons inside the church still manage to preserve their structures to this day. The church is covered with a barrel vault. Inside the north wall, there are monk graves.
Named after the frescoes it contains, the Snake church depicts four women committing four different sins, and they are punished and bitten by snakes for their transgressions. The Snake church holds a unique place among other churches due to its inclusion of quite intriguing scenes. The church’s frescoes on the wall have managed to survive without deterioration up to the present day.
El Nazar church draws attention with its architecture and holds a significant place. Visitors are captivated when they see the unique frescoes inside the church. After the church was restored, it continued to be listed in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List. The interior of the church was painted by two different artists, and the frescoes hold great importance. Some saints are depicted in the medallions inside the church. In other parts of the church, on the ceiling and walls, some religious stories are depicted. Scenes from the life of Jesus can be observed here. The entrance hours for El Nazar church may vary for summer and winter months. Visitors can explore the church during the specified entrance hours.
Where is El Evil Eye Church?
El Nazar Church, like many other churches in the region, requires an entrance fee. The entrance fees may vary each year. However, you can enter El Nazar church for free with your museum card. If you don’t have a museum card, you can apply for one at most museums in Cappadocia. Additionally, customers of İş Bankası’s Maksimum Card are provided with a free museum card for one month.
Kolonlu Kilise is one of the most intriguing churches you can encounter in Cappadocia. From the outside, it appears as an ordinary cave church, but once you enter, you’ll be met with a magnificent architecture. Historical research suggests that Kolonlu Kilise was used for organizing important ceremonies in its past.
Reflecting the basilica architecture with great success, as you enter the church, you can see that naves are separated by columns. The church also features corridors, and its effective use of natural light is noteworthy.
Thought to date back to the Roman era, this church, with the spread of Islam in the region, began to be used as a dovecote.
El Nazar Church Photos
