Alahan Monastery

The Alahan Monastery Complex, which is estimated to have been built between 440-442 AD, consists of the Western Church, the Monastery, the Eastern Church, monk cells carved into the rocks, and surrounding tombs. The church buildings share common architectural features with the Hagia Sophia. Masterful stone carving is seen in its decoration. The first church is divided into three naves by two rows of columns with Corinthian capitals. The lintel and side jambs of the door leading from the narthex to the main hall are adorned with reliefs. Besides the figures of St. Paul and St. Peter, rich depictions include Gabriel with six wings carrying a wreath, Michael crushing symbolic creatures, roaring lions, eagle and ox symbols, depictions of biblical writings, grape clusters, vine leaves, and fish motifs. To the south of the wide courtyard east of the churches, the corridor where religious ceremonies were held is an 11-meter-long arched and columned gallery. In the middle of the gallery, there is a large niche intricately decorated with crowded relief ornamentation. In the gallery, there is a baptistery with an apse, and across from it are the tombs, the most magnificent structures of the Alahan Monastery. The north wall of these tombs is carved into the rock, and they have no upper cover. The center of the main nave is interesting. It is a square-plan tower covered with four arches resting on piers and columns. The tower transforms into an octagon above. The door frame is ornate.

Alahan Monastery situated at 4000 feet or 1219,2 meters over the sea level and overlooking the Calycadnus Valley. Monastery was founded in the V century A. D. by Roman Emperor of the East Leo I (401-474). Monastery got additional facilities in the second half of V century during the rule of Emperor Zeno (401-491), who was born in Isauria and visited his birthplace quite often. Monastery flourished and was a popular place of pilgrimage until VII century A.D. Due to unknown reason, it stood abandoned for centuries. The first visitor who arrived to empty Alahan was Ottoman traveler Evliya Celeby (1611-1682) in 1671-72. Monastery is in the UNESCO list of the World Heritage Since 2000. Alahan Monastery, Mersin Province, 🇹🇷 Turkey 🇹🇷. March 20, 2024.

"This is something that deserves a visit." said Evliya Celebi(an Ottoman wanderer).This monastery built to honor the visit of St. Paul and St. Barnabas.It's hard to reach even with a vehicle therefore it's very well protected, in full meaning it's "capsulated".You gotta see this fascinating place.

Must see place in Turkey

Spectacular, beautiful place, perched high above the valley. Splendid restoration work in parts of the site. Very few people around. One of the highlights of the 20+ major archeological sites in Turkey visited during June 2023.

Unbelieveble view for free!
Must see!
Accessable by car only, as I know.
We drove almost 200 km from Kizkalesi, but it was worth it.

Very cool place to check out, a lot of it is still in good condition.

Definitely worth the drive from Silifke, this is a beautiful site perched on top the mountains with many remains of stunning early byzantine architecture. Visit is free.

Even the atmosphere is quite different here. Not to mention history of the place, shapes on the wall and stones. I loved it. I's one of the must go places in the region in my opinion. Most of people outside the region do not know regarding monastery liying. I think local or governments have to something and make this place attract people all over the Turkey.

Amazing place. Cool and fresh air in comparison with lowland!

Marvellous! Ancient history n nature are together fascinating people!

Very nice views and very awesome and old constructions.

A beautiful setting

history of religions and nature ..

Excellent

Good

Alahan Manastırı, Toros Dağları'nın muazzam manzarasına hakim, nefes kesici bir tarihi mekan. Bizans dönemine ait bu manastır, olağanüstü taş işçiliği ve sanatsal detaylarıyla göz kamaştırıyor. Ziyaretim sırasında, manastırın mimarisinin ve doğal çevresinin mistik atmosferi beni derinden etkiledi. Tarih ve doğa tutkunları için kesinlikle ziyaret edilmesi gereken bir yer. Yolculuk biraz meşakkatli olabilir ama manzaranın ve tarihin bu eşsiz birleşimini keşfetmek her adımında değer.

Evliya Çelebi'nin "Ustasının elinden yeni çıkmış gibi duruyor." diye anlattığı Alahan Manastırı, Mersin-Karaman karayolu üzerinde Geçimli Köyü civarındadır. 1300 metre yükseklikte ve Göksu Vadisi'ne bakan dik bir yamaca oturtulmuştur.

Yoldan sapınca 7dk araçla dik yokuşa tırmanma süreci var. Zor bir yol acemilere göre değil. Ama sonuç o kadar güzel ki görmeye değer. Resmen büyülendik. Taşların üzerinde üzüm, kuş, insan, yaprak detaylı işlemeleri var.

Girişler müzeler tarafından yönetilmiyor o yüzden ücretsiz.

Silifke'den Karaman istikametine giderken Mut'u geçip 7-8 dakika sonra sağ tarafa patika yola giriyorsunuz dikkat edin virajlıdır.Az bilinen ama güzel ve özel tarihi yerlerimizden biridir. Tarihi binaların mimarisi, manzarası, doğası gerçekten güzel.Giriş ücretsizdi.Yol ayrımından hemen sonra da yolun sol alt kısmında Alaoda Kilisesi vardır.

Mut-Sertavul arası sağ yapıp rampa ve virajlı bir yoldan geçerek ulaşabileceğiniz ören yeri. Tavan kısımları (çatı, kubbe vs) yıkık ancak yere dik duvarları genellikle sağlam durmaktadır. Göksu vadisine panoramik olarak bakmaktadır, yakınlarında yörükler keçi yetiştiriciliği ve sadır üretimi yapmaktadır.