Goreme Valley, Open Air Museum, Carikli (Sandals) 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. The original stone steps of the church collapsed, therefore a modern metal staircase was installed. The church has three apses and four domes. This Byzantine church has frescos almost similar to the ones found in the Apple Church and the Dark Church. The frescos date to the 13th century. Among the painted scenes are the Crucifixion, Entombment, Raising of Lazarus, Women at Christ's Empty Tomb, Hospitality of Abraham, Mary and Jesus the Child and the Entry into Jerusalem.