Keşlik Monastery, located on the right of the asphalt road, 2 km after the village of Cemil (Calela) near the Damsa Dam, about 10 km from Mustafapaşa (Sinasos) Village in Cappadocia, is worth seeing. This former monastic complex includes an Archangel Church, St. Stephen's Chapel, large dining area, living quarters and even a holy water pool. While this site may be unorthodox, it's worth every step of your journey. Let's take a closer look at what makes this monastery special.
The church is one of the few cave churches that was used by local populations into the twentieth century. It includes a unique fresco depicting an image of the Virgin Mary with baby Jesus, which dates back to around 1300 AD. This fresco is so well-preserved that some visitors are convinced that it has been painted recently! The church also has several wooden seating benches to accommodate guests and worshippers alike.
This chapel was originally built as an underground oratory for monks to worship in private away from public view. It contains an altar with several icons and frescoes on its walls. There are also two small windows located on either side of the chapel which let in natural light and provide fresh air for those inside during long prayer sessions!
The living quarters include several underground rooms where monks could sleep, eat and study in peace. There is also a huge dining hall which could accommodate up to 200 people at once! This space was used not only by monks but also by visitors who came to seek refuge from persecutions during religious wars or other dangers they faced outside their walls. In addition to providing shelter, this area served as a meeting place for pilgrims and travelers who wanted to share stories or exchange ideas while they ate and drank together under one roof!
As you can see, there’s much more than meets the eye when visiting Keshlik Monastery in Cappadocia. It’s an ancient site full of history and myth that will leave you mesmerized by its beauty and captivated by its secrets—allowing you to explore both its past and present with wonderment. Whether you are looking for spiritual enlightenment or simply want to learn more about this unique part of Turkey’s culture, don’t miss out on this incredible experience! With something new around every corner, there's no better way to immerse yourself in Cappadocian culture than visiting Keshlik Monastery!
