Private Real Cappadocia Tour

This valley is situated near Yesilhisar in the province of Kayseri, 40km southeast of Urgup, and 25km to the east of Derinkuyu. Fractures and collapses during earthquakes have added to erosion resulting in deep valleys and canyons. Soganli valley, which is divided into two, has been occupied since the Roman period.The rock cones found on the sides of the valley were used as graves by the Romans, and later as churches by the Byzantine. The frescoes in the churches date back to the 9th and 13th centuries.

Important churches in the valley are Karabas, Yilanli, Kubbeli and the Church of St. Barbara (Tahtali).

The Church of St. Barbara (Tahtali): This church lies at the end of the valley to the west of the village. The single-apsed, single-naved church is barrel-vaulted. The vault is divided into two with a projection line. The church is dated to the beginning of the 10th century and interesting due to the presence of many portraits of saints.

Scenes: On the apse Prophetic Vision, on the northern wall Deesis, on the vault Annunciation, Visitation, Proof of the Virgin, Journey to Bethlehem, Nativity, Anastasis, The Seven Sleepers and portraits of saints.

The Kubbeli (Domed) Church: This lies to the north of the village, on the left of the valley. Fine carving has created domes from the rock, and the work on the side walls resembles pointing. The church, with its domes, vaults and apses, displays advanced architectural techniques. The upper part of the church has three apses and three naves. The church is dated to the end of the 10th century.

Scenes: On the main apse Prophetic Vision; on the side apse Deesis, on the vault Massacre of the Innocents, Pursuit of Elizabeth, Annunciation, Visitation, Proof of the Virgin, Nativity, Adoration of the Magi, Flight into Egypt, Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, Killing of Zacharias, Calling of John, Christ and John, Preaching of John, Baptism, Christ and Zacharias, Marriage at Cana, Miracle of the Wine, Jesus and the Samaritan Woman , Entry into Jerusalem, Healing of the Nobleman’s Daughter and portraits of saints.

Authentic hand-made linen dolls produced in Soganli and its surrounding have attracted the attention of the tourists visiting the area and this has already become an industry.

Handiwork, gloves and socks ornamented with Anatolian motifs, etc also attract attention as well as the linen dolls made and sold under different names in the area.

Meeting/ pick-up point: Hotel lobby.
Start/opening time: 9am
End/closing time: 5pm.
Languages: English, Russian, Italian, French, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean.

Meal

Drinks

Admissions

With Guide in English