Selime Monastery

A lot quieter than Göreme Open Air Museum, but just as interesting. Rather than being herded in and out of the caves, you actually have time to really explore and appreciate what you are seeing. You’re also allowed to take pictures!

I would recommend that you wear sturdy footwear with a good grip, as most of the pathways aren’t level. But it’s definitely worth the (sometimes unsteady) climb there and back.

Selime Monastry takes place at the end of Ihlara Valley when you start walking from the entrance of the valley. This place is the end of walking path inside valley, but you are already on way to Ihlara, you will see the monastry on the side of the road. It is a religious rock cut structure having frescos inside. There are some parts you need to climb to see. The landmark dates back very early ages and it is really an important cultural heritage. Absolutely worth seeing

This was impressive in its size and state. Well looked after and when we were there not full of huge groups visiting. This makes the whole experience more tranquil. Make sure you climb also to the church in the open space area.

26. 8. 2022 We went through almost all the rock towns and churches in Selime. Splendor. These places are really worth visiting and walking through. I recommend. More Youtube travel video PSIS-visit. Iva+Petr Prague CZ.

We just happened to see this while driving and were so impressed, we had to turn around and stop to check it out. By the time we got here, thankfully the tour groups left and we had the place all to ourselves which was great! It was really fun to explore and look around. The views were beautiful! These were the biggest cave churches we saw in Cappadocia and they were truly impressive. Make sure to wear good shoes, as you will be doing some climbing. Although it had nothing to do with the caves, we did get taken by a local. We had gotten through much of the main caves and were about to turn back when we were approached by a local who spoke very good English. He came out of no where and showed us the rest. He opened up a very old mosque for us and had us drive out to an old church (Yellow Church) that was not in a cave, about 20 minutes away. It would have been nice if he had given us a tour of the whole place, but he got us later on, after we saw most of it. He did give us a good tour and was able to answer our questions but charged us a somewhat hefty amount for his time at the end. Thankfully we had money on us, but this part of our trip was unexpected. If you see a local who starts talking to you and you don't want this experience, politely turn back. It could also be something you might enjoy. Either way, I thought this experience could be helpful to other travelers. And apparently, this is where a Star Wars scene was filmed.

We went here as part of the Green (South Cappadocia) tour. We chose this tour for the underground city and the valley hike, but for me this stop was the highlight of the tour. I wish we had spent more time here. It is simply amazing to imagine what this monastery must have been like when it was still in operation and hidden inside the mountain, and it is even more incredible to be able to walk around in its half-exposed ruins. Incredible, and somewhat worrying, because the whole place is a spectacular accident waiting to happen. They let people climb everywhere, although the whole mountain is in the middle of eroding and collapsing away. I suppose the authorities are keeping an eye on things, but one day pretty soon I think this site will be gone, or at least closed to the public, so visit now if you have the chance!

Rock-cut Selime Monastery dates to the 8th and 9th centuries and stands high on a hill at the end of the Ihlara Valley. The largest religious "building" in the region, it can be reached via a rented vehicle by independent travelers. But we went here as part of the green tour of Cappadocia. The two main all-day public tours of the region (each going to separate sections) are labeled "green" and "red."

To reach the monastery requires a 10-minute steep climb over soft rock with no vegetation. There are no steps, handrails or ropes. Green arrows point the best way to ascend while red arrows help in the descent. I encountered narrow crevices and uneven, slippery terrain. I am a much older-than-average tourist with a fear of heights, but am in good physical condition. I froze a couple of times when descending, because I feared a fall. But all went well. I highly recommend wearing sneakers or sturdy shoes that give good support. I also recommend that those with balance issues avoid the climb, but check first to learn whether any safety measures have been adopted.

I thought the ascent was well worth the effort with the monastery's standout being the cathedral-size church, which could hold 5,000 people. It displays columns, arches and secret passageways. Its 10th- to 11th-century frescoes, however, remain almost totally hidden behind a layer of soot that resulted from people cooking there after the church was abandoned. The monastery shows off an ancient kitchen and many rooms.

I considered the view from this height to be good but nothing spectacular. The main reason for the climb is to explore the monastery. Though some reviewers have mentioned this site as one of the "Star Wars" filming locations, I have been unable to find any record that this was actually used as a location.

A 13th century monastery carved into a whole volcanic mountain. Huge cathedral size church, living quarters, burial, Multilevel kitchen with dinning room. Some popular folklore is that Star Wars movie was shot at the village across. Simply amazing, and part of the Green Tour of Cappadocia, Turkey.

This was part of our south Cappadocia tour. Like the previous reviewers stated, the climb up was steep and hazardous. You'll need to be extra cautious. But when you get to the top you'll appreciate the view. There was a church, dormitory, school, kitchens, and watch tower at the top. Take a torch with you as some of the areas inside were pitch dark even when it was sunny out. The frescoes in the church were pretty much faded. When you're in the kitchens, be sure to look up and catch a glimpse of the chimney. One of the fairy chimneys on the way down had a nice engraving of a lamb inside. You'll need to climb up a staircase to get in. On our way down we noticed a board with information about the rooms above. I wish we came across it before our climb, especially since our guide didn't go all the way up there with us. We realized that we missed some parts when we were already all the way down. Read the board before anything else because the rooms won't be marked with any signs or informative boards. Also try to go with someone else. It helped a lot that I had my husband help me with the climb.

I rarely post reviews for tours or sights but felt the urge to do so for this particular sight. Did it while on a Green tour, booked from Cappadocia Cave Suites at 55 euros each. Though these caves are interesting to explore and there are wonderful views to be had at the top, we thought the climb both up and down the hill was a little treacherous as there are rarely curved out walking paths nor hand rails. Though there are often signs to warn people from falling, I could easily imagine kids or older folks falling, so do take care!