History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Kopuz Village Historical Rock Chapel and Settlement is a mysterious atomic temple and shelter area carved into the steep tuff rocks of Kopuz Village in Aydıntepe district of Bayburt during the Early Christian and Medieval Byzantine periods. The settlement built by the first Christian communities escaping from Roman oppression by taking shelter in safe mountain valleys; It consists of rock chapels, monk cells, water cisterns and vaulted rock rooms. In village legends, the existence of secret corridors extending from under these steep rocks to Aydıntepe Underground City has been whispered from generation to generation, and it is rumored that the sun hitting the rocks points to the hidden treasures on the mountain. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located at an altitude of approximately 1,720 meters, on steep rocky slopes overlooking the Kopuz Village valley. Volcanic tuff layers on the southern slopes of the Black Sea mountains present a geological structure that can be easily carved with hand tools. Spring waters, oak groves and untouched mountain flora lie around it. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Visiting the rock chapel and historical ruins is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): Open to visitors 7 days a week during daylight hours; It is recommended to go in spring and summer due to snowfall in winter.•Rules, Safety and Baby Stroller/Disabled Access: Since it is reached through steep rocks and steep paths, it should be climbed carefully and the niches in the rock walls should not be damaged. Not stroller or disabled chair accessible; Walking shoes are required.•Facilities and Facilities:There are no commercial facilities in the area where the ruins are located; There is a mosque, fountain and village grocery store in Kopuz village centre. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Kopuz Village Kayalık Mevkii, Aydıntepe / Bayburt.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is 8 km from Aydıntepe town center and approximately 28 km from Bayburt centre; Most of the village road is asphalt and the last 500 meters is a path walk; Passenger vehicles can go to the village square.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): You can take Aydıntepe district minibuses from Bayburt Center; You can reach the village by shuttle vehicles or local taxis from Aydıntepe.•Parking Availability:Vehicles can be parked safely and free of charge in Kopuz Village square. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Points and Frames:Frames overlooking the panoramic view of the valley from the apse of the rock chapel and the light-shadow play created by the rock windows should be photographed.•Light and Shooting Hours:The moments when the sun hits the rocks in the early morning hours reveal the handcraft marks on the rock surfaces most clearly.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:On your return from Aydıntepe, you should try the local stuffed kale, ziron, galacoş and delicious yayla butter.