History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
The historical Üçayak Church is a unique double church (double apse) architectural masterpiece, dating back to the 10th or 11th century of the Byzantine Empire (period of the Macedonian Dynasty), rising alone in the middle of the Central Anatolian steppe. The temple, which is one of the rare Byzantine structures built entirely of red brick and mortar in Anatolia, is accepted to have been built as a votive church for Byzantine emperors or a very influential commander of the period. It is rumored among the locals that the building took the name "Triplefoot" because it stood on three magnificent brick pillars without collapsing for centuries, and that there are hidden monks' corridors underground. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
The building is located in the north of Kırşehir city center, at an altitude of approximately 1,130 meters above sea level, on a wide and deserted steppe plateau between the villages of Taburoğlu and Yudan. The building, which does not have any mountain elevations around it, gives an impressive feeling of loneliness integrated with the wide open horizon and sky. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:The visit is completely free; There is no ticket office.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It can be visited as an open-air ruin at any time of the day, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: Since the structure is located on rural land, the ground is raw earth and grass; It is difficult to move forward with a baby stroller and wheelchair. It is strictly forbidden to climb historic brick walls and damage mortar residues.•Facilities and Facilities:Since it is located in a rural isolated area, there is no electricity, toilet or buffet facility in the area; Visitors are advised to bring water and basic needs with them. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Taburoğlu Köyü Mevkii, 40002 Kırşehir Merkez/Kırşehir.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is approximately 35 km from Kırşehir center. After entering the Taburoğlu turnoff from the Ankara-Kayseri highway, the last 4-5 kilometers are a stabilized village and field road. In dry weather, you can travel by passenger car, but in heavy winter and rainy spring months, a high-rise vehicle or 4x4 is recommended.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): There is no public transportation line going directly to the front of the church; You can go to the village center with the surrounding village minibuses departing from Kırşehir bus terminal and walk the remaining distance or prefer a private car/taxi.•Parking Availability:Cars can be parked free of charge in the open land around the church ruins. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots and Frames:The contrast of red Byzantine bricks with the sky blue and golden steppe grasses offers magnificent artistic frames when pulled inwards from the arch ruins on the west façade.•Light and Shooting Hours:During the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, the red bricks turn a fiery red color. It is also one of the best spots in Turkey for milky way and star exposure photography at nights when light pollution is zero.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:You should definitely try the kuku kebab (tandır), tandoori pastry, delicious Kırşehir Çirleme dessert and Höşmerim in Kırşehir center upon your return from the trip.