Alahan Monastery
Spectacular Views
By Slowtravelguide
Alahan Monastery, if you are in the neighbourhood of Silifke, or if you are near Mersin, then Alahan Monastery should be on your list. This ancient site, reasonably unknown by the broad public, is one of these old hidden gems in Turkey.
And yes, it’s a little bit off the beaten track, but it’s easy to reach by car. It combines dramatic ruins with spectacular views.
No Roof On The East Church
View Of The West Church Looking From The East
Fish Figures In The West Church
Alahan Monastery; Pilgrimage Center For Christians
In the 4th Century, Alahan Monastery only consisted of a cave-church cut out of the rocks. One Century later, in the 5th Century, a Basilica was built; construction was made in 2 stages. The first under Emperor Leo I (mid 5th Century), the second stage (end of the Same Century) finalized the works under Emperor Zeno. The monastery became later a pilgrimage site. After this, rock-cut chambers were built as accommodation, Baptistery, the Eastern Church. At the Alahan site, you can also find a forecourt, a bathhouse, a necropolis and a lower terrace.
The West Church Apse With Living Quarters In The Background
Alahan Monastery’s ancient site sits at about 1300m in height. It was a communal environment for monks until they abandoned the site in the 7th Century. The East church is essential to the evolution of Byzantine architecture. Several elements show an example of excellent stone masonry. Excavations carried out between 1961 and 1973 under the supervision of Michael Gough are responsible for about every that is identified on the site.
The Cave Church
The cave church was the initial church that was built at Alahan Monastery. As said earlier, built in the 4th Century, it is also the first complex you encounter when visiting. It sits at the western side in a natural cave of about 10m high spread over three floors.
This site is not very large, but there are so many details to take in that you easily will spend extra time on the site.
The West Church Of Alahan Monastery In The Distance
What An Amount Of Detail On This Entrance Of The West Church
The West Church
The West Church, also known as the Church of the Evangelists, is least well preserved. This basilica still has a detailed decorated doorway still standing with a six-winged Angel Gabriel, several figures like saints, eagles and ones and lions. Furthermore, Bible writers, grapes and vines and fish motives. It is divided into three naves and a row of columns with Corinthian capitals.
In The West Church Of Alahan Monastery
The Colonnaded Gallery
The West and the East church was connected by a collonaded Gallery, giving access to other parts of the site like the living quarters, tombs and baptistry. This road was once covered, but now only a few column bases remain. But what spectacular views!
Inscriptions At The Necropolis
When you walk around this ancient site, it becomes clear what a fantastic location it sits on. The views are spectacular.
The Baptistery
The Baptistery is twin-apse, with 2 Aisles and a cruciform shaped baptismal pool.
It is suggested that the baptistry was built later when more people came to live at Alahan. Earlier the cave church was used for baptism.
Some Details From The West Church And Baptistery
The Baptistery Up Close
What To Expect
How To Get There: Private or rental car (check the map below).
Nearest Airport: Alanya Airport
Parking: Yes, next to the site.
Terrain: Easy.
Stroller: Yes.
Entrance Fee: Free (check before you visit).
Facilities: No.
Best Time To Visit: All year except winter.
East Church
At the end of the collonaded gallery, you will find the East Church. This church may look more significant than the West Church but is smaller in reality. The East church (25x15m) is the best-preserved building on the site, and because of that, it looks more significant than the remains of the West Church (36x16m). The roof has collapsed; it was a light wooden structure, hardly any stones were found in the church during the excavations.
Far More Simple Decorations At The East Church Than At The West Church.
The Apse At The East Church
The East Church At Alahan Ancient Site
The East Church Is Well Preserved
If you have any questions about a place, feel free to ask. You can send us a message through our contact page or leave a comment on our Instagram or Facebook pages.
You can also join our group Turkey Travel Photography on Facebook to share your lovely photos or experiences about Turkey.
Practical Information
It is a magnificent ancient site to visit, not only because of its structures but also because of the location and the incredible views. Located about 1h30 inland from Silifke, a short drive off the D715 to Konya, take a look at the map below.
Keep in mind that there are no facilities on-site, so carrying water and some snacks is a good idea.
The Doorframe Of The West Church Is Beautifully Decorated
Places Nearby
Men Of Rock, an archaeological heritage (132 km)
Olba Ancient Site, 5000-year-old city (127 km)
Mamure Castle is, an impressive castle in Anamur near the seaside (155 km)
Anemurium Ancient Site, (159 km)
Diocaesarea (Uzuncaburc), City Of God (125 km)
Places We Recommend
Yediler Monastery
A Byzantine-era monastery in the sacred Latmos Mountains offers mystical views and beautiful frescoes from start to finish. (Coming soon)
Af Kule Monastery
Deyrülzefaran Monastery
Deyrulzafaran Monastery, which was built in the 5th century after Christ, is one of the critical centres of the Syriac Church besides its magnificent architecture. (Coming soon)
© 2016-2022 All rights reserved by slowtravelguide.net.
The content of this website is copyright protected and the property of slowtravelguide.net.No part of this website may be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the copyright owner.
Copyright ©2016-2022 Tüm hakları saklıdır. Bu (slowtravelguide.net.) web sitesinin içeriği koruma altındadır ve slowtravelguide.net.Buradaki hiçbir içerik (yazı,fotoğraf,video vb.) izinsiz olarak kopyalanamaz, alıntı yapılamaz,başka yerde yayınlanamaz.