Alucra Kamışlı Village Church in Giresun, Türkiye, is a 1890 stone church featuring three aisles divided by columns and decorated with remnant frescoes, accessible free of charge.
Kamışlı Village Church stands within the village, 2 kilometers from Alucra district center. According to the record in the ancient artifact file, it was built in 1890 by Köçkösoğlu Yani, with Çolak Kosti as the architect. The old name of the village was Anastos; it changed to Kamışlı after 1928, and the church became known by this name. The structure was registered in 1982 by the High Council for Real Estate Ancient Artifacts and Monuments.
There is no narthex or gallery section. On the east facade, there is a semi-circular triple apse covered with a barrel vault; in front of the apse, a ceremonial section called bema extends 20-30 cm above the ground. The entrance is accessed from the west facade through a rectangular opening. The moldings surrounding the door jambs give the stone a cross-like appearance, and a cross motif is carved in the middle of the lintel. The door leaves have not survived to the present day. The nave is divided into three aisles by two rows of columns; the frescoes on the walls are now in remnants, but their traces can still be read. A border consisting of S-curves between blue lines runs along the edges of the arches, and outside this border, there are triple dot sequences referring to the belief in the Trinity.
It is a structure built with rubble stone and finely dressed stone using a masonry system. It is not a major tourist destination, but it is one of the rare examples showing how Greek architecture left its mark in the inner parts of Giresun. Those who come to Alucra and visit natural spots like Sivri Tepe and Gelin Kaya can add it to their route with a short detour.
Guide's Note
History and Architecture of the Church
According to records in the ancient artifact file, the church was built in 1890 by Köçkösoğlu Yani, with Çolak Kosti as its architect. The old name of the village was Anastos; sources indicate it was mentioned by this Greek-origin name in records from 1522 and the 1900s, and it adopted the name Kamışlı from 1928 onwards. The structure was registered on 05.02.1982 by a decision of the High Council for Real Estate Ancient Artifacts and Monuments.
It was constructed using a masonry system with rubble stone and finely dressed stone. There is no narthex or gallery section; on the east facade, there is a barrel-vaulted, semi-circular triple apse. The nave is divided into three aisles by two rows of columns, and a ceremonial area called bema is located in front of the apse.
Entrance Door and Frescoes
The rectangular entrance opening on the west facade gains a cross-like appearance with the profiled moldings surrounding it. A separate cross motif is also carved in the middle of the lintel. Since the door leaves have not survived to the present day, one can enter directly.
Inside, the frescoes covering the walls are now in remnants. A border consisting of S-curves between two blue lines runs along the edges of the arches; outside this border, triple dot sequences symbolizing the belief in the Trinity can be seen. It is easier to see the details during midday hours when the light enters the interior better.
How to Get to Kamışlı Village
From Giresun city center to Alucra is approximately 130 km by road. After reaching Alucra district center, Kamışlı Village is 2 km away, and the village road is standard asphalt. Going by your own vehicle is the most comfortable option; those going by public transport can take a taxi from Alucra to the village.
Since it is a rural area, directions can sometimes change, so check the current route on your navigation app before you go.
Best Time to Visit
Alucra is a high-altitude district, and winter months are cold and sometimes snowy. Considering rural road conditions, May-September is more comfortable for visiting.
Timing your visit for midday is advantageous both for road safety and for the light entering the church's interior.
Adding to the Alucra Travel Route
Kamışlı Village Church is not so much a standalone day trip destination but rather planned in conjunction with other points around Alucra. Sivri Tepe, Gelin Kaya, İkizler Tepesi, and Kızlar Kalesi are other stops in the district that can be visited; it makes sense to visit the church as part of this route, for example, in the morning, and dedicate the rest of the day to natural sites.
Things to Consider During Your Visit
The structure is a registered cultural asset and has no official maintenance; avoid touching the stone walls, vaults, and fresco remnants. Since there are no door leaves, entry is free, but the ground may be uneven, so wearing sturdy shoes will make your visit easier.
As it is located within the village, it is necessary to be respectful to the local people during your visit and not to obstruct road traffic when parking your vehicle.
How Much Time to Allocate
The church itself is a small structure; 20-30 minutes is sufficient to see the exterior facade, entrance details, and fresco remnants inside. It should be considered as part of a day trip combined with other stops in Alucra.
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