History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Ağaçaltı Church is an atomic rock church with a free cross plan, dating back to the 9th to 11th centuries, located at the main entrance point with formal stairs to the Ihlara Valley, the deepest canyon of Cappadocia. The building, whose original name was 'Daniel Pantanassa', was called 'Ağaçaltı Church' by the public due to the shadow of the centuries-old walnut and willow trees at the entrance of the church. The Ascension scene on the dome of the church and the depiction of the Prophet Daniel praying between two lions on the west wall are unique iconographic masterpieces in terms of world art history. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located at the bottom of Ihlara Valley, on the banks of the Melendiz Stream, at an altitude of approximately 1,150 meters. Thanks to the canyon microclimate formed by the splitting of Hasan Mountain volcanic tuffs by the Melendiz Stream over millions of years, lush poplar, walnut and willow trees grow on the valley floor. The light filtering through the rock-carved windows of the church and the murmur of the Melendiz Stream offer a unique harmony of nature. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Ihlara Valley ruins entrance ticket or T.R. Ministry of Culture and Tourism Museum Card is valid.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It is open to visitors 7 days a week between 08:30 - 19:00 (Summer Period) / 08:30 - 17:00 (Winter Period).•Rules, Safety and Baby Stroller/Disabled Access: Rock frescoes should never be touched and photographs should not be taken with flash. Ihlara Valley is not stroller or wheelchair accessible as there are 382 steep steps down the stairs; Non-slip walking shoes are recommended.•Facilities and Facilities:There is a box office, parking lot, souvenir shops, WC at the entrance of the valley and resting pergolas on the Melendiz Stream at the valley floor. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Ihlara Vadisi Ruins Entrance, Ihlara Town, Güzelyurt / Aksaray.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is approximately 40 km from Aksaray center and 15 km from Güzelyurt district centre; The road is completely asphalt and can be reached by any vehicle.•Real Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): You can go to the main entrance gate of Ihlara valley with the 'Aksaray - Güzelyurt - Ihlara' municipal and cooperative minibuses that depart from Aksaray Intercity Bus Terminal at regular intervals.•Parking Availability:There is a large paid and free municipal parking lot at the entrance of the ruins. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photo Spots and Frames:The depiction of Jesus carried by angels on the church dome and the lions scene of the Prophet Daniel are stunning in natural light.•Light and Shooting Hours:When the sunlight filtering into the canyon in the morning hours enters through the church door, the clearest and contrast-free shots are obtained.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:After leaving the valley, you should eat testi kebab, sheet pan and tile trout on wooden platforms built on the Melendiz Stream in Belisırma village.