Goreme Valley, Open Air Museum, Saint Basil Church

Abstract

Cappadocia is a historical region in Central Anatolia, largely in Nevsehir Province. The name Cappadocia was traditionally used in Christian sources throughout history and is still widely used as an international tourism concept to define a region of exceptional natural and geological wonders, characterized especially by the unique formation of fairy chimneys, as well as a unique historical and cultural heritage, in particular the highly decorated rock-hewn Byzantine churches, the multi-leveled underground ancient towns and the surreal, lunar landscape. This church dates to the 11th century. In the narthex many tomb niches are situated. The church is divided into two naves, and the church has a rectangular plan, with three apses. On the wall of the main apse there is a painted figure of Christ, Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus. St. Theodore is depicted riding a horse on the church's north wall, St. George fighting the Dragon on the south wall and other ornamentation motifs were used on the walls.