YEŞİLHİSAR SOĞANLI ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Information
Opening/Closing Hours
Opening time: 08:30
Closing time: 17:30
Box Office Closing Time: 17:15
Closed Days
Monday
Address: Soğanlı Mahallesi
E-mail: kayserimuzesi@kultur.gov.tr
Phone 1: 03522222148
Phone 2: 03522222149

Description

Soğanlı Village is situated in a valley, 15 km away from the town center of Yeşilhisar district, at the heart of the Kayseri-Niğde-Nevşehir triangle. The valley is home to rock churches, caves, and modern houses. Soğanlı was first settled during the Roman Period, and the rock caves located on the slopes of the valley were used as cemeteries. From the 4th century AD onwards, the area became one of the centers of Christianity and maintained its importance in the 7th and 8th centuries. Around 50 rock churches were built during this period. However, only 8 churches are accessible for visitors: Karabaş Church, Domed Church, Tahtalı (Saint Barbara) Church, Serpentine Church, Hidden Church, Tokalı Church, Balik Church and Geyikli Church. These churches are decorated with frescoes depicting various topics from the Bible, mostly in the style of the 10th-12th centuries. Soğanlı has many pigeon houses, caves, and shelters carved into the rock. The valley is also home to beautiful fairy chimneys that add a unique charm to the area. The women of the village create Soğanlı Babies, which are made of cloth pieces and sold throughout the Cappadocia Region, providing a significant source of income.