A BEAUTIFUL RUINED CHURCH: AZIZ NIKOLAOS IN GÜLLÜBAHÇE

We have this thing with abandoned buildings. That meant that we couldn’t skip a visit to the ruined church of Güllübahçe while on the way to Priene and Eski Doğanbey. The Aziz Nikolaos or Saint Nicholas church was built by the Greeks in 1821 on top of the remains of an older church. Its peaceful location high up in the village of Güllübahçe offers splendid views of the valley below, all the way to Lake Bafa at the far end of the horizon. The church ruins consist of two buildings, the church itself and an ossuary or charnel house located in the church’s gardens. A fascinating sight for urbex and non-urbex lovers alike!

A lot of places in Turkey show the beauty of decay. Take Kayaköy near Fethiye, for example, which is a complete ghost village, and a great place to walk around in. The Aziz Nikolaos church in Güllübahçe may be just a church, but this ruined church is worth a small detour. The warning sign outside the church’ garden walls says it is forbidden and dangerous to enter the church, but the graffiti art everywhere shows that we’re not the first ones entering this place.

The church with two apses and two naves has a typical Greek bell tower on the front narthex. The garden is lovely and quiet and reveals a surprise when we spot some bones in a window opening of a separate building.

It Must Have Been Majestic!

Peeping through a window

Outside the church walls

DETAILED CEILING PAINTINGS IN VIVID COLORS

Apart from the graffiti, you’ll get to enjoy plenty of well-preserved ceiling paintings. The contrast of the ruined church building, with debris all over the place and the delicate paintings, is striking. It’s not too difficult to imagine this church must have been beautiful before it fell to pieces. There have been talks about restoring the building, but the municipality lacks the resources for this huge undertaking. Even so, one can only hope the church will at least keep standing, waiting for more people to come and admire its undoubtedly once glorious interior.

At The Side Of The Ruined Church

Look At Those Domed Ceilings!

The Vivid Colors Of The Paintwork At The Ruined Church

A CHARNEL HOUSE WITH HUMAN BONES

As you wander through its two levels, you’ll encounter a fascinating collection of human bones, carefully preserved from new graves. Descend to the lower level and witness the solemnity of this unique space, where history and mortality intertwine. Then, venture to the upper level adorned with sacred relics, each niche whispering stories of reverence. Discover the mystique of our ossuary and immerse yourself in the captivating allure of the past.

Both Levels Of The Charnel House With Plenty Of Bones Left Behind

Human Bones In The Window Opening Of The Ossuary

HOW TO GET TO ST. NIKOLAOS CHURCH IN GÜLLÜBAHÇE

Güllübahçe is a small and pretty Turkish village between Söke and Priene where you’ll also find restaurants and even a bed for the night. You reach Güllübahçe by car following the direction Söke after leaving the İzmir-Aydın main road. Drive on to Güllübahçe by following the brown road signs to Priene. Shortly after entering the village, just past the small bridge, you’ll notice a sign to the ruined church of Aziz Nikolaos on your left-hand side. If you’re relying on public transport, check public transport to Güllübahçe options here. This is a perfect day trip from Kuşadası, Didim, or Bodrum. Combine it with lovely Eski Doğanbey and a visit to Priene.

Places We Reccomend

POSTS NEARBY

• Priene, Aristotle’s ideal city and a wonderful day out! (1.67 km)
• Eski Doğanbey: a great day trip from Bodrum or Kuşadası (13.41 km)
• The road less travelled: discover ancient Miletus in Turkey (15.64 km)
• Off the beaten path in Turkey: the breathtaking scenery of Lake Bafa (21.84 km)
• Magnesia on the Meander: an excavation project in progress 27.81 km

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