Beyond Cilicia - Göreme - Aynalı Kilise (Symmetric Church) - 7 August 2020
It wasn't our first stay in Cappadocia, but all the same magical. This time we spent there only 2 nights arriving on 6 August 2020. Due to the pandemic, Göreme, normally vibrant and packed with tourists, was quiet and soothing.
Aynalı Kilise, located in the outskirts of the town, is one of c. 3000 in-rock churches of Cappadocia (a historical region adjacent to Cilicia). Its fame is incomparable to Tokalı or Elmalı churches, but it is still worth visiting. The Turkish word 'aynalı' means 'with a mirror' and refers to the symmetric, earthy red ornaments inside the religious complex.
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| Sunrise * |
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| Adorable * |
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| This way, please * |
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| Straight into church * |
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| Adjacent chamber with ornaments * |
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Ornaments are meant to be evidence
it was hollowed in 11th century AD * |
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| Through tunnel * |
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| Millstones could efficiently block way for enemies * |
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| This time steep stairs... * |
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| ... leading to pigeon loft * |
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| Another tunnel, but not my size * |
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| Quick wish and return * |
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Symmetry of church at entrance 1/2 *
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| Symmetry of church at entrance 2/2 * |
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| Map of local attractions * |
