Kırkdamaltı Church

The ideal period to visit Ihlara Valley and Kırkdamaltı Church is during the spring and autumn months. Between April and May, the vegetation on the valley floor takes on a lush green appearance; walking accompanied by the sound of the Melendiz Stream offers a unique experience. In September and October, temperatures drop, crowds decrease, and lighting conditions become extremely favorable for photography.

In the summer months, the valley can be quite hot. If you plan to visit during this period, prefer early morning hours; you will have a cooler walk and avoid the increasing tourist density during the day. In winter, the valley becomes deserted, and some facilities may close; however, seeing the church among snow-covered rock formations creates a different atmosphere.

Kırkdamaltı Church is located within the borders of Belisırma Village, approximately 35 km from Aksaray city center. If you are coming by private car, you need to proceed from Aksaray towards Ihlara, then descend into the valley from the Belisırma turn-off. The church is reached by walking along the valley from the village entrance.

Those wishing to come by public transport can use minibuses departing from Aksaray bus station towards Ihlara or Selime. It is possible to get off at the Belisırma stop and follow the walking path within the valley. For those coming from the Nevşehir side of Cappadocia, the route via Derinkuyu to Ihlara offers a functional alternative. Organized tour options are also available in the region; these tours usually cover multiple churches in Ihlara Valley in a single day.

If you consider Kırkdamaltı Church not alone, but within a full-day itinerary covering the entire Ihlara Valley, you will have a much more productive visit. Start early in the morning from the Ihlara entrance and descend into the valley; among the first stops are Ağaçaltı (Daniel Pantonassa) Church and Sümbüllü Church. As you proceed along the valley and reach Belisırma, visit Kırkdamaltı Church.

Take a lunch break at the riverside restaurants in Belisırma; the wooden bridges over the Melendiz Stream and the shade of willow trees are perfect for resting. In the afternoon, you can visit stops like Yılanlı Church and Kokar Church and complete your day at Selime Cathedral. Selime is the largest rock-cut church on this side of Cappadocia and offers the most impressive finale to the valley.

Kırkdamaltı Church, being the highest-located church in the region, offers a wide perspective overlooking the valley floor and the opposite slopes. The rocky ascent that greets you before the church entrance forms a natural frame; at this point, it is possible to capture both the church and the valley silhouette in the same shot with a wide-angle lens.

Inside, the fresco remnants and the texture of the rock surface contain interesting details for close-up photography. When the morning light passes over the slope where the church is located, the stone surfaces acquire a golden tone; therefore, morning visits are more advantageous for photography. A frame taken from the upper points of Belisırma Village shows the church together with the valley's greenery.

Access to Kırkdamaltı Church is provided via the Ihlara Valley hiking route. The paths within the valley are dirt and stony; wearing comfortable walking shoes or trekking boots is strongly recommended. Climbing to the church with sandals or flat-soled shoes may be difficult.

Although the church is not an active place of worship, it is a protected historical and cultural structure; a respectful visiting attitude is expected. Since there is little shade in the valley, it is recommended to carry sufficient water and sun protection. The entrance fee is collected as part of the Ihlara Valley entrance; Museum Card holders can benefit from advantageous conditions. It is best to confirm up-to-date information regarding visiting hours from the Aksaray Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism.

Belisırma Village, located very close to Kırkdamaltı Church, has become a natural stop for Ihlara Valley visitors for lunch. The village restaurants on wooden platforms built along the Melendiz Stream create a warm atmosphere combined with the sound of flowing water.

In these restaurants, fresh trout usually takes the lead; fish caught from the stream is served grilled or pan-fried. Accompanied by village bread, cacık (yogurt and cucumber dip), and seasonal salad, this meal relieves the fatigue of a long valley walk. In addition, lentil soup and homemade desserts are also found on the menus. Prices remain reasonable compared to the city center.

Kırkdamaltı Church was built in the name of Saint George and holds the title of the highest-located church in the Belisırma region. The structure, which has a closed cross plan, is entirely carved into the rock, including its domes, columns, and walls. This architectural approach demonstrates how skillfully the volcanic tuff rocks of Cappadocia were processed into a tradition.

The church underwent its last major renovation in 1884. The fresco traces on its walls reflect the characteristics of Byzantine religious iconography; however, natural erosion and human interventions over centuries have damaged a large part of these works. Nevertheless, the church maintains its place among the structures that best represent the historical fabric of Ihlara Valley.