If you venture to southern Cappadocia (often on the popular “Green Tour”), you’ll encounter the impressive Selime Monastery.
This is not your everyday monastery – it’s an enormous complex carved directly into volcanic rock at the end of the Ihlara Valley.
In fact, Selime Monastery is the largest rock-cut religious structure in Cappadocia.
It is a multi-story cave cathedral complete with chambers, chapels, and living quarters all hewn from stone.
Exploring the Monastery complex
Visiting Selime Monastery feels like stepping back in time. You can climb up into the massive cave rooms where monks once lived and worshipped.
There’s a grand hall (the main church) with a high ceiling – so high it’s described as cathedral-sized – supported by rock-cut columns.
Faint remains of frescoes can be seen on some walls, though centuries of weather have worn them down.
As you explore, you’ll find a kitchen area with a giant chimney blackened by ancient smoke, sleeping quarters, storage rooms, wine presses, and even stables for animals, all interconnected through tunnels and passages.
It’s amazing to imagine how a whole community functioned inside these cliffs.
Historical significance
Historically, Selime Monastery dates back to around the 8th or 9th century AD (early Byzantine era).
Its position high on the cliffs made it secure from attackers – the upper sections even have the appearance of a fortress with defensive walls and trenches.
The complex might have housed monks and maybe even served as a caravanserai (inn) on the Silk Road for a time in the Seljuk period.
Local legend says that at one point (10th–11th century) it provided refuge to travelers and traders, which makes sense given its large size and strategic location.
It’s been abandoned for many centuries now (since the 16th century or so), but the emptiness adds to its eerie beauty.
Hike through underground cities and explore the incredible Göreme Open-Air Museum—a journey through history carved into the heart of Cappadocia!
Getting there and practical tips
To reach the monastery caves, you’ll walk up a short but steep path from the parking area.
Wear good shoes, as inside the monastery you’ll be clambering up uneven stone steps and through narrow passageways.
Once you get up there, the views are fantastic – you can look out over the verdant Ihlara Valley and the village of Selime.
The scenery contrast of the green valley below and the arid cliffs above is striking.
Tours of Selime Monastery
Most people visit Selime Monastery as part of a guided Green Tour, which usually also includes the Ihlara Valley hike and Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı Underground City.
If you book the tour, you’ll have a guide explaining the site’s history and showing you around the key sections (entry fees are generally included in the tour price).
If you go independently by car, you’ll pay a small entrance fee of around ₺100 ($2.63 USD). Plan on exploring at a leisurely pace for about an hour.
Want to explore all of Cappadocia? Take the Green tour for the highlights of the south, the Red tour for the north, and the Blue tour for hidden gems off the beaten path!
Why visit Selime?
Selime Monastery is one of the most spectacular examples of Cappadocia’s rock-cut architecture, showcasing human devotion and adaptation to the landscape.
Standing inside the cavernous chapel carved out of solid rock, you can’t help but marvel at the ingenuity.
It’s also a bit off the main tourist trail around Göreme, so it offers a broader perspective on the region’s history.
In short, if time allows, head to Selime to climb around this ancient cave monastery – it’s an experience that rounds out the understanding of how people lived and worshipped in Cappadocia’s rocks.
Insider Tip: Selime Monastery involves some steep climbing – those with mobility issues or fear of heights might find parts of it challenging. Take it slow, and mind your footing, as some stairs have no railings. But the adventurous climb is absolutely worth it for most travelers!
