Ihlara Valley is located in Aksaray province, a city in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. This small Anatolian town, positioned as a cultural bridge between the eastern and western parts of Turkey, is known for its various beauties. One of the symbols of Ihlara Valley, looks like a film set prepared for a fantasy film with its history, natural beauty, and unique experiences. As you enter to the valley via stairs, through every step down you feel like you transported to another planet. Surrounded by forest and a river, the valley provides a natural habitat for the wildlife, giving it the atmosphere of a habitat with the sounds of birds, ducks, and other creatures. Other than its hiking trails, the valley offers an adventurous journey with its hundreds of caves, which were once state of many important kingdoms in the history.


18 kilometers in length, with an average depth of 150 meters and a width of 200 meters, this canyon is considered the biggest canyon in the world where humans also established their residence. It was created couple centuries ago by the volcanic explosions created by the eruption of Hasan Mountain, the most prominent volcanic mountain in the region, combined with nature events and the erosion caused by the Melendiz river. Over the time, people settled in the area and turned the caves into churches and carved places, making the region an important cultural and civilizational hub. Over hundreds of churches located in these caves, 14 are currently in service to domestic and international tourists. The engravings painted on the walls of the churches are mesmerizing and give visitors the feeling of going back in time. This site is home to significant Christian churches such as Ağaçaltı, Kokar, and Direkli Church.