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Rock monastery · Ihlara, Aksaray
Selime Manastırı
Monastic complex hewn into the tuff, with passages and worship spaces on a slope at the north of the Ihlara valley.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Selime Manastırı
Selime is a monastic complex carved into a tuff slope near the northern end of the Ihlara valley.
The interior spaces and openings in the rock reveal a different scale of Cappadocian religious architecture. The visit combines worship spaces, passages and views over the surrounding landscape. The interest lies in seeing how the terrain was transformed into an articulated complex, rather than viewing a single isolated chamber.
Access continues on foot over inclined, uneven ground. Reserve energy to climb and move around unhurriedly, especially if you have already walked in the valley. Selime functions as its own visit within the Ihlara circuit and requires a separate road section from the entrances further south in the canyon.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one to one and a half hours, including the climb.
Best time
Explore Selime while there is still enough light to recognize the passages on the slope; if you visit after the canyon, allow a pause before beginning another climb.
How to get there
From Ihlara, drive to Selime; the final stretch to the excavated complex is done on foot.
Tip
Distribute your effort between the canyon and Selime’s slope.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Selime Manastırı
Is Selime an isolated church in the rock?
It is a complex of monastic spaces, passages and worship areas in the slope. Observe how those volumes are articulated, rather than looking for a single main chamber.
Does a vehicle reach inside Selime?
Approach is by road, but the section within the excavated complex requires climbing on foot. Those who have already walked in the canyon should reserve energy for that additional effort.
Can Selime be visited without crossing Ihlara?
The monastery has its own road approach and can be an independent stop. Visiting it does not require beforehand a long crossing of the canyon floor.