Hallaç Monastery is a mammoth courtyard complex with large halls and a spacious cave church. This eleventh century site is in a valley.

Here are 10 simple tips to understand and enjoy any cave church in Cappadocia.

The vast majority of carved spaces in Cappadocia are functional and agricultural, designed to meet everyday human needs.

Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, was highly revered by Orthodox Christians and often depicted in Cappadocian cave churches. She is known...

Graves appear throughout the cave churches of Cappadocia. These are oval pits dug into the floors and walls of churches where dead saints...

The cross is the primary symbol of Christianity. This symbol of Jesus’ crucifixion expresses the heart of Christian truth—Jesus’ death...

What was the reason and purpose of Christian monasticism in Cappadocia? St. Basil the Great (329–380 AD) started monasteries to address...

People visit Cappadocia's ancient cave churches and monasteries wonder about the daily life of monks. Who were these people? How did a...

Monks were Christians who lived in solitude to pursue a life of prayer and spiritual purity. They turned away from the world and followed...

Communal meals defined the monastic lifestyle in Cappadocia. Twice a day monks gathered in large rooms called refectories to share meals....

The main subject in all churches’ frescos is people. Some churches have well over two hundred faces. This article explains the identity...

The most important Christian icon is Christ Pantocrator. This image portrays Jesus as the world’s sovereign ruler. Christ Pantocrator was...