Ihlara Valley has several remarkable features that make it a hidden paradise, not only for the Cappadocia region but also on a global scale. Considered to be one of the most beautiful valleys in the world, Ihlara Valley is known for its astonishing characteristics that leave first-time visitors in awe. Although there is no specific geological explanation for its formation, its historical significance and unique nature contribute to its extraordinary allure. It is considered a must-visit destination among the valleys for those who come to this region.
The valley’s unique nature provides a sense of tranquility and helps people distance themselves from the stresses of daily life. Describing the energy of its nature is challenging, emphasizing the importance of experiencing it firsthand. Therefore, it is essential to explore, see, and immerse oneself in the beauty of the valley.
Travelers who are aware of the valley’s reputation and wish to visit often inquire about its location, asking, “In which province is Ihlara valley?” The valley is situated in the Aksaray province within the Cappadocia region.
Visiting Ihlara can also be a strategic move to explore other significant points of interest in the region. This way, visitors can not only experience the beauty of Ihlara Valley but also explore nearby areas, including important sites such as the Derinkuyu underground city. Guided tours led by professional guides provide in-depth information about the regions and allow for detailed explorations of these fascinating areas.
Ihlara is located in the Cappadocia region, which is renowned for its unique natural wonders, underground cities, and fairy chimneys. Among the valleys that come to mind first when Cappadocia is mentioned, Ihlara Valley holds a prominent place. Travelers who have heard of the valley often inquire about its location, asking questions like “Where is Ihlara valley?” The valley is situated in the Aksaray province within the Cappadocia region. It is distinctively positioned outside the triangle formed by Ürgüp, Göreme, and Avanos, which are closely located to each other in the Nevşehir province.
Despite the common assumption that Ihlara valley is in Nevşehir, it is actually located in Aksaray. The valley, with its unique historical traces and stunning nature, holds significant importance within the Cappadocia region and attracts thousands of local and international tourists each year.
For those wondering about the general location of Ihlara Valley, they might initially think it is in Nevşehir. However, the valley is situated in Aksaray. Ihlara is approximately 40 km away from the city center of Aksaray. Its distance to Nevsehir is around 100 km. Access to the valley can be made through the town of Ihlara, located in the Güzelyurt district, from where you can enter the valley, situated to the northeast of Mount Hasan.
Those who want to fully explore the Cappadocia region should also visit the Avanos, Ürgüp, and Göreme areas, along with the Ihlara Valley. Even those who visit Cappadocia for a short period of time must definitely visit this place. Going to Cappadocia without seeing and exploring the Ihlara Valley is like only half-experiencing Cappadocia. Therefore, regardless of whether the visit is short or long, Ihlara Valley must be included in every Cappadocia travel plan.
The valley is among the essential regions to be visited due to its rich content and the variety of activities it offers. Ihlara valley hosts a wide range of activities such as horseback riding tours, making it a must-visit area. Therefore, it attracts the attention of both local and foreign tourists. It tops travel itineraries with its activities and rich content. The Ihlara is also highly suitable for activities such as balloon tours. Ticket prices for Ihlara valley may vary, and they include all services within the pricing.
The valley is also rich in terms of religious structures. In the early periods of christianity, monks and priests withdrew to seclusion here, dedicating themselves to God. To learn about all these churches in the Ihlara Valley, it is necessary to participate in guided tours led by professional guides. While guiding visitors through the regions, professional guides also provide detailed information about the area.
Ihlara is home to various churches such as the Agacalti church, the church with Hyacinths (Sümbüllü Kilise), the church with Snakes (Yılanlı church), the Fragrant Church (Kokar church), and the Church with Purenli Rock (Pürenliseki church).
It is located immediately to the left of the valley entrance. The church is named after the hyacinths that grow in the region. The entrance is through a narrow window. The church was originally used as a monastery church and carved into a large rock mass in a two-story structure. The first floor was left without any architectural plan. The second floor is divided into five spaces, with two doors, four rectangular columns, and three windows. Like all churches in Cappadocia, the church with Hyacinths is adorned with frescoes. The stories of Michael, Gabriel, virgin mary, and Jesus are depicted here.
Due to its location, it is one of the most visited churches in the valley. Next to the church is the church with Hyacinths. It has a distinctive structure with its plan and frescoes compared to other churches. In other valley churches, scenes from the Bible were mostly depicted, but the frescoes of the church with Snakes are filled with depictions of the afterlife. Therefore, it is very different from other churches. The construction is said to date back to the 9th and 12th centuries. It was built in the form of a wide and long Greek cross plan and exhibits an advanced style. The main entrance located in the north has collapsed over time. The church with Snakes gets its name from the depiction of four sinful naked women attacked by eight snakes. The images are very clear, but the exact sin of the first woman attacked by the snakes is not fully understood due to the destruction of the artwork. According to some sources, this woman abandoned her child, and the snakes are biting her from all sides as a consequence. In the continuation of the depiction, another woman is bitten on her breast for not breastfeeding her child, and a third woman is bitten on her tongue for telling lies. The fourth woman is bitten on her ear for not obeying. In addition to these depictions, there are many other different scenes. The frescoes in this church are worth seeing because of their uniqueness compared to other churches.
Eğritas church is one of the ancient structures located in the Ihlara valley. It was carved out of the existing rocks in the region. Its history dates back to the 10th century. The church, utilized by different civilizations, is known to have been built in memory of Virgin Mary. Depictions on the walls portraying the life of Jesus, baptism, Jerusalem, and others are noteworthy. Additionally, despite the centuries that have passed, the frescoes still maintain their vibrancy.
Kokar church, located in Aksaray, is a structure with a history dating back to the 9th century. It stands among the oldest examples of Byzantine architecture in our country. The preserved frescoes depict figures of Jesus and Mary, along with various scenes from the Bible. In contrast to the commonly seen red frescoes in Cappadocia, Kokar church features gray-colored frescoes. The interior of this church, built into the rocks, is noteworthy for its expansion, and a funeral hall was added after this enlargement.
Ağaçaltı Church is a church located in Aksaray, estimated to have been built in the late 9th century. It is one of the numerous churches in the Ihlara Valley. When you descend the stairs from the entrance of the valley, you can see the second floor of the church. The entrance is made through the apse located here.
Before the stairs were built in Ihlara, one had to climb a tree to go up and down the church. Hence, it got its name as the Ağaçaltı (Under the Tree) Church. The church, usually featuring depictions of Virgin Mary, deviates from typical iconographic uses.
Pürenli Seki Church, one of the structures you may encounter while visiting Ihlara, is one of the structures built by carving into rocks. Its plan has two naves and the tombs on the ground floor are remarkable. It is noteworthy that there are many religious motifs in the church, which is thought to have been used as a shelter for a while.
As of the year 2024, the entrance fee to Ihlara Valley is 100 TL. Students and teachers can enter free of charge. Entrance is also free with a Museum Pass. The entrance fee to Ihlara valley in Aksaray is set at 70 TL. Since there may not be a place nearby to obtain a museum pass, those who have the opportunity should be prepared before going to Ihlara valley.
Aksaray Ihlara valley can be reached through different routes. It is 87 km away from Nevşehir Göreme via the Gülağaç Derinkuyu road. For those coming by private vehicle, it is 11 km away when continuing from the Akşehir Nevşehir highway. Following this road, the valley will be situated to the southeast.
Ihlara valley offers a rich experience, and exploring it thoroughly may require more than a day. In this regard, camping for a few days to explore the surroundings might be more suitable. There are convenient camping areas in the region where individuals can camp as they wish. The camping areas in Ihlara Valley, located in the Central Anatolia region, provide a special opportunity to camp in close proximity to nature. It is one of the most suitable places for camping, allowing people to engage in various outdoor activities. Additionally, Ihlara valley also provides bungalows for accommodation, making it possible to stay overnight through tent camping or caravan camping.
It is essential to visit and see the churches within the valley. Each church holds a unique value, with frescoes and historical traces that make them structures worth seeing. These buildings, carved into the rocks, are exceptionally valuable due to their age, dating back centuries.
Where is Ihlara Valley Map
Ihlara valley, with its natural beauty, archaeological sites, churches, and historical landmarks, holds a significant and extensive place in the Cappadocia region. Due to its importance, the duration of a visit to Ihlara Valley may take a bit longer. The Melendiz River runs through the valley, making it suitable for walking on both sides. You can reach different points by walking from the starting point. It takes about 5-6 hours to explore Aksaray Ihlara Valley thoroughly, depending on how detailed your travel plan is. We recommend extending your exploration to Selimiye to fully complete the tour.
Aksaray’s Ihlara stands out as a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. If your journey takes you to Cappadocia, you can include Ihlara Valley in your itinerary after exploring regions like Göreme, Ürgüp, and Avanos. Ihlara is approximately 80-90 km away from the Cappadocia region. It is possible to reach Ihlara within 1-1.5 hours by private car after touring other areas in Cappadocia.
Ihlara valley is particularly recommended to be visited, especially in the spring and fall months. This way, you can better appreciate the beauty of nature and avoid the heat. However, keep in mind that the canyon will be cooler compared to the city center, so it’s advisable to have a jacket with you even during the summer months.
Ihlara valley is generally preferred to be visited during the spring and summer months, but it is a region that can be explored throughout the year. If you enjoy winter and cold weather, you might want to witness the meeting of nature with snow. Especially, the scenes of fairy chimneys covered in snow can make you feel like you are inside a fairy tale.
Valley is open every day of the week. Visiting hours are from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, but keep in mind that ticket booths close at 4:30 PM. Entrance fees may vary seasonally. If you plan to visit Cappadocia, it is beneficial to obtain a museum pass beforehand. With the museum pass, you can use it to enter various areas in the region, including Ihlara Valley.
