Ihlara Valley

In Aksaray, a deep canyon cut by the Melendiz stream, known for the frescoed rock churches carved into its walls.

Why go

Ihlara Valley is a deep canyon that the Melendiz stream cut through volcanic ground over many centuries. A green valley floor runs along the canyon, while numerous rock churches from the early Christian period are carved into the steep walls. This combination makes the valley both a nature walk and a history route at once.

Historical context

Known in antiquity as Peristrema, the valley was for a long time a place of belief to which monastic communities withdrew. Some of the churches cut into the walls are decorated with frescoes depicting religious scenes of their time. The area is part of Cappadocia’s wider rock-settlement culture and connects to the underground cities, rock churches and monasteries nearby.

What you will see

You usually enter the valley by a stepped descent and follow the path that runs along the stream. Along the way you can visit frescoed churches such as Ağaçaltı, Yılanlı, Sümbüllü and Kırkdamaltı. The path can be continued through the streamside village of Belisırma and on north to Selime, where the Selime Cathedral is one of the largest rock-cut structures in the valley.

How to get there

Ihlara lies about 40 kilometres from central Aksaray and is easily reached by car. The nearest airports are Nevşehir Cappadocia and Kayseri. There are stairs on the descent to the valley floor; the full walk from Ihlara through Belisırma to Selime takes a few hours. If you prefer, you can walk a short section and return the same way.

When to visit

Spring and autumn are the most balanced seasons for both temperature and scenery. Summer middays can be hot, though the tree-shaded valley floor still offers some cool. Winter can be cold and snowy, and the path may be slippery. Sturdy walking shoes and water are recommended.

Responsible visiting

Ihlara Valley is at once a natural canyon and a history site with fragile frescoes. Not touching the paintings in the rock churches, not scratching the walls and staying on the marked path all matter for both the protection of the artworks and for safety. The ground along the stream can be damp and slippery, so sturdy shoes and careful footing are important. On hot days, carrying enough water, taking litter back out and leaving no trace are simple but effective steps toward keeping the valley intact for a long time.

Nearby

The streamside village of Belisırma is known for a rest stop within the valley and small camping grounds. Selime to the north, and Güzelyurt with its stone houses, are close stops that fit into the same day; the area also links by a short drive to Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and underground cities.