Direkli Kilise (Pillar Church)

While Ihlara Valley and Direkli Kilise are open to visitors for most of the year, the most enjoyable periods are April–May and September–October. In spring, the banks of the Melendiz Stream, which runs along the valley floor, turn green; poplar trees leaf out, and the walk is quite refreshing. In autumn, the valley takes on a picturesque appearance with its yellow and orange hues.

Temperatures can be high in summer; a visit starting early in the morning will allow you to find the church quieter and avoid the midday heat. In winter, the valley becomes deserted; some services may close, and roads can be slippery.

Direkli Kilise is approximately 33 km from Aksaray city center, within the borders of Belisırma Village. You can reach the village by following the highway towards Ihlara and turning off at the Belisırma junction. A path descending from the village into the valley will lead you directly to the vicinity of the church.

Minibus services operate from Aksaray city center to Belisırma during the day; however, as services are limited and at specific times, renting a car or opting for an organized tour is much more practical, especially if you plan to depart early in the morning. Day trips to Ihlara Valley are also available from Nevşehir and Göreme.

If you consider Direkli Kilise not alone, but as part of a route covering the entire Ihlara Valley, your day will be much more productive. The classic route starts from the 382-step staircase entrance in Ihlara town; a walk of approximately 14 km is made along the valley floor to Belisırma.

Other rock-cut churches such as Ağaçaltı Church, Pürenli Seki Church, and Kokar Church are also located along this route. Upon reaching Belisırma, you can take a break at one of the village restaurants by the Melendiz Stream, and then complete your day by visiting Selime Cathedral. Selime Cathedral, the largest rock-cut structure in the region, is located at the northern end of the valley.

The most impressive photographic angle of Direkli Kilise is when the interior columns meet the valley light. Especially in the morning hours, natural light filtering in from outside highlights the texture on the stone surfaces and creates a sense of depth. A wide-angle lens will help you frame the narrow and columned interior in the best way.

When viewed from the valley slope around the church, it is possible to capture the Melendiz Stream, poplar trees, and rock formations on the opposite slope all together. The light before sunset, known as the golden hour, brings out the color tones of the volcanic rock on the valley walls particularly beautifully.

Belisırma Village hosts a few small restaurants that have become a popular stop for Ihlara Valley visitors. Most of these restaurants are set up by the Melendiz Stream, almost with their feet in the water; the sound of the stream accompanies your meal.

The menus usually feature local delicacies of Cappadocia and Central Anatolian cuisine: pottery kebab, tandoor meat, lentil soup, and homemade gözleme are among them. Taking a break in this village after a long valley hike is an ideal opportunity to both eat and rest.

The ground along the Ihlara Valley hike can be rocky and uneven; it is important to choose comfortable walking shoes or boots. Walking long distances in sandals or flat-soled shoes can be tiring.

The stone surfaces inside the church can be damp; step carefully when entering. As the structure is a historical heritage site, it is very important not to touch any surface or write on it inside. Carrying enough water and light snacks with you, especially if you plan a full valley hike, is essential for a comfortable experience. Museum Card holders can use the Ihlara Valley entrance for free, so don't forget to bring your card.

Direkli Kilise is among the 14 churches open to visitors out of 105 churches in Ihlara Valley. According to Aksaray Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism sources, the structure is dated to between the 11th and 13th centuries; some researchers, however, point more specifically to the years 976-1025. Both approaches reveal that the structure dates back to the ancient Byzantine period.

The pillars or columns that give the church its name are a rare architectural element in rock-cut structures. This feature distinguishes the structure from the vast majority of other churches in the region and makes it worthy of architectural study. The entire Ihlara Valley is one of the areas where rock-cut settlements and places of worship carved into Cappadocia's volcanic tuff rocks can be seen most densely together.