HIKING TO YEDILER MONASTERY: CHASING SILENCE IN TURKEY

Certain places you return to time and time again. For us, Yediler Monastery is one of those locations, as is the surrounding area of Lake Bafa. We adore going on hikes. Furthermore, trekking in Turkey is occasionally difficult but always rewarding. The short, delicious walk up to Yediler Monastery, a monastery built during the Byzantine era and situated in the holy Latmos Mountains, offers surreal vistas the entire way. Unnatural? Indeed, we believe this best captures the essence of the boulder-studded Latmos Mountains, which are framed by Lake Bafa and its monastery-islands. This article will explain why.

Yediler Monastery, Perched On The Boulders Of Mount Latmos

YEDILER MONASTERY – HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT

When you first arrive at Yediler Monastery, also known as Kellibaron Monastery, you’ll see that it provides an open view of Lake Bafa below. It is quite impossible to detect it from the coast, though. Yediler Monastery blends in with the surroundings nearly entirely. That is mostly due to the materials and construction techniques employed in its creation. You might even fail to notice the frescoes’ home—the boulder—once you’re there!

Yediler Monastery Is Finally In Sight!

The ‘cave Of Yediler’ Standing Strong. Can You Spot The Frescoes?

Reputably, Yediler Monastery is among the most important monasteries in the region. Situated in the rugged terrain of the slope east of Latmos, the monastery is easily accessible from Gölyaka village along a clearly marked path. The word “easily” describes the comparison with the routes to other nearby monasteries rather than the actual travel time. The trek is brief, but at certain points rather challenging as the walkways appear to transform into a series of hollowed-out rocks formed by the water that cascades down the mountain slopes in the rainy season.
Nothing is insurmountable, though, unless you have trouble moving around. In that case, you’ll have to make do with the images in this post.

Quite A Setting, Isn’t It?

We still don’t know the exact year Yediler Monastery was built. Simple stonework techniques were used in the construction process. It is acknowledged that the monastery complex was founded earlier than 960, maybe in the late 10th century, with additional buildings built later, despite the paucity of exact information. The complex as a whole had to be finished in the thirteenth century. Experts concur that the monastery’s construction dates back to the Late Byzantine Era because of its use of cloisonné masonry and ornate brickwork.

Impressive surroundings

Admiring The Area From The Upper Castle

There were walls surrounding the Yediler Monastery complex, some of which remain to this day. You’ll see that many of the walls and constructions incorporate the rocks and other natural elements of the surroundings. There are still two different courtyards in the compound now. Sometimes big rocks and a wall separate them. Located in the eastern section of the spacious courtyard, the refectory featured a rectangular floor plan and included a compact bathroom. The kitchen and cellar facilities were located south of the refectory, and the dining room was an expansive hall with an apse.

Yediler Monastery And Its Horse, It Was There The Last Time We Visited Too

On the southeast side of the large courtyard are the remains of two chapels and a cave with an apse that was likely also used as a chapel. North of the western court is where the upper castle is situated. The rocky entry refuge of the higher castle provides nearly impenetrable protection. Remember to ascend in order to see the arched cell quarters! Although they provide a fantastic view these days, the “window” in the past wouldn’t have been bigger than a cannonball.

The Current View From One Of The Cells

The Niche In The Cells Used To Contain An Icon To Pray To

Site surveys revealed a painting in a chapel in one of the courtyards. It represented Jesus, and two saints, one of which was Arsenios. Arsenios was buried here, and he was the Abbot of Kellibaron Monastery, now Yediler Monastery. You can find more paintings, or frescoes, in this case, on the ‘ceiling’ of one of the boulders. The boulder even got a name and is known as the Cave of Yediler, although, since it’s above ground, it hardly qualifies as a cave. The well-preserved frescoes are the gems of Yediler Monastery and represent the ceremonies of the churches. You’ll see Jesus depicted from his birth to his death, and also the resurrection of Lazarus, and the crucifixion of Jesus.

Mindblowing!

HOW TO GET TO YEDILER MONASTERY

To find Yediler Monastery, head over to Gölyaka, from where the monastery is signposted. If you’re driving, you can continue by car until you’ve reached the upper part of the village. Yes, the roads are VERY narrow, but cars do drive there. At the top of the village, where the road loops back down to the village, there’s another sign to the monastery that says: Yediler Manastırı 2km. This is where you park your car, and the hike starts. Keep following the red and white markings throughout your walk. You’ll notice them on both rock and trees, and from time to time, an additional signpost with the remaining distance until you reach the monastery.

As mentioned, while this is not a rock-climbing expedition, it isn’t a walk in the park either. People with mobility issues shouldn’t attempt this hike. Despite the short distance, the terrain is challenging at some points. Make sure to wear proper hiking shoes and carry plenty of water to get you through the day. If you like the look of the area, and you prefer to explore it even more, without having to carry around a heavy backpack, check out these ‘Donkey Trekking’ experiences. They look like the perfect way to explore this part of Caria without doing the heavy lifting.

Walking The Rocky Water Bedding

POSTS NEARBY

• Visiting romantic Olympos, Çıralı, and Yanartas (16 km)
• 5 reasons to visit Rhodiapolis despite the restoration scandal (30 km)
• Limyra: an idyllic dive into an ancient basilica! (40 km)
• Wandering the streets of Antalya Old Town (42 km)
• Uncovering mosaics at Arykanda (45 km)

If you have any questions about Lake Bafa, feel free to ask. You can message us through our contact page or leave a comment on our Instagram or Facebook pages.

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