Lighted only by a small window in its narthex, the interior of Dark Church is indeed very dim, but due to lack of light; the frescoes are very well preserved.
Got its name locally for the same reason, the church today displays the most well-preserved wall paintings in a random, yet educational order. Three columns are well restored in this cross planned church dated back to the 11th century was utterly touched by UNESCO and to keep the traffic less; it is accessed with extra admission fee.
The church has the same opening hours with Goreme Open Museum and a total must-see once you are in the area.
Some of the depictions from New Testament are Annunciation, Journey to Bethlehem, Nativity, Transfiguration of Christ, The Resurrection of Lazarus, Entry into Jerusalem, Last Supper, the Treason of Judas, Crucifixion, and Ascension.
Why the Dark Church Is So Special
Most painted churches of Cappadocia have suffered from the light, the weather and, sadly, from people. The Dark Church (Karanlık Kilise), carved in the 11th century as part of a small monastery, was spared: its frescoes, in deep blue, gold and red, were protected by the darkness, and a long restoration cleaned them and brought back their original colors. Today they look almost as fresh as the day they were painted.
The cross-in-square church is reached by a narrow stair cut into the rock. In the central dome is Christ Pantocrator, and in the apse the Deesis, Christ between the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist. The Nativity, with the baby Jesus in his manger beside an ox and a donkey, and the Last Supper are the scenes visitors remember the most.
Tips for your visit
The Dark Church is inside the Göreme Open Air Museum, with a separate ticket at its door, which keeps the number of visitors low. Please note that photographs are not allowed inside. Combine it with the Apple Church and the Buckle Church for a complete morning of Byzantine art.
Cappadocia in winter, from the air
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