Οι καλύτερες διαδρομές και πεζοπορίες στην Καισάρεια

Soganli is divided into lower and upper Soganli. A large part of the upper part is deserted.

The Hidden Church stands somewhat inconspicuously next to the Dome Church. It is a two-story church carved into a conical rock next to the Kubbeli Kilise.

On the left side of the valley lies the Kubbeli Kilise (Dome Church) with its adjoining rooms, dating from the 10th century and carved into a single rock cone. The cone is decorated on the outside with imitation ashlar and a dentil cornice, presumably intended to give the impression of a freestanding church.

In the northern valley lies the barrel-vaulted Yılanlı Kilise (Snake Church). In an adjacent building are two arcosolium tombs hewn into the rock. Their frescoes were painted over in black and are unfortunately badly damaged.

The Onion Valley is dominated by an impressive reddish table mountain, from whose flanks erosion over centuries has exposed numerous tuff cones. Within the valley, numerous rock churches and cave dwellings are carved into the soft tuff of the Cappadocian landscape.

The Karabaş Church (Church of the Black Heads) is located on the right slope of the Onion Valley and is the largest and most remarkable church in the Soganli Valley of Kayseri. This historic building was constructed in the sixth century and reflects features from the Roman period. According to an inscription by the Byzantine general Michael Skepides above the west door, the most recent layer of frescoes dates from the 13th century. The church, which consists of two parts, was built into the rock formations, like other structures in the region. Several outbuildings suggest that it was once part of a monastery complex. There are many depictions on the church walls. The paintings include Deesis, Angels, the Nativity, His Presentation in the Temple, Metamorphosis, the Crucifixion, and the Ascension to Heaven. Paintings of various saints also adorn the walls. This unique church reflects the artistic and historical value of the region. The detail in the frescoes and the quality of the paintings demonstrate the skill of the masters.

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The Soğanlı Valley is located in Yeşilhisar County, Kayseri Province, Turkey, in the southeast of the Cappadocia Region. In the valley, numerous rock churches and cave buildings are carved into the soft tuff rock of the Cappadocian landscape. Source: Wikipedia