Selime Katedrali
Selime Monastery, often called Selime Cathedral for its unusually large scale, is one of the biggest rock-cut religious complexes in Cappadocia, carved into a towering rock face at the northern end of Ihlara Valley. Dating from the Byzantine era, the complex includes a large church with a cross-shaped plan and traces of frescoes, along with monastic living quarters, kitchens, stables, and a maze of tunnels and rooms spread across several levels of the cliff — some scholars believe it may have functioned as a training center for clergy given its unusual size. Its scale and setting, overlooking the valley and the striking rock formations of the surrounding Selime and Yaprakhisar area, have also made it a recognizable filming location, including scenes used in a Star Wars film.
Most visitors combine Selime with a walk through Ihlara Valley, arriving at the monastery either at the start or end of the canyon walk. Climbing through its levels involves scrambling over uneven rock and some narrow, dim passages, but it rewards with panoramic views back over the valley and a strong sense of the scale ancient monastic communities built into the landscape.
Selime Katedrali FAQs
The nickname reflects its unusually large scale compared to Cappadocia's other rock-cut churches, even though it functioned as a monastery rather than a cathedral in the formal sense.
Yes, it sits at the northern end of the valley and is commonly visited together with the Ihlara Valley walk in one trip.
It involves scrambling over uneven rock and narrow passages in places, so reasonable mobility and sturdy footwear are recommended.
Yes, the surrounding Selime/Yaprakhisar landscape was used for scenes in one of the Star Wars films, adding to its recognition.
Generally a modest fee applies; check current pricing before visiting.
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