History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
The Ancient City of Kilistra (Gökyurt) is a unique rock-carved settlement carved into tuff rocks during the Hellenistic, Roman and Early Christian-Byzantine periods, referred to as "Konya's Cappadocia". It is considered to be one of the sacred centers mentioned in the Bible, where the Apostle St. Paul took shelter and preached during his journey to Lystra (Hatunsaray). City; It is fascinating with its Sandıkkaya Church, Sümbül Church, cisterns, wineries, underground shelters and cross-shaped chapels carved out of rock. It is rumored among the local people that the secret tunnels under the rocks extend for kilometers and completely protected the city from enemy raids in ancient times. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
Kilistra is located in the Gökyurt village valley, where volcanic tuff rocky valleys and oak forests intersect, at an altitude of approximately 1,250 meters above sea level. It exhibits a unique geological formation with conical rock masses resembling fairy chimneys, canyon crevices and natural viewing terraces. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Visiting the open-air ruins is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): Open to visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; However, for land safety, it is recommended to visit during daylight hours (08:00 - 19:30).•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: The stairs leading to the rock churches and cisterns are steep and rocky; Walking shoes with solid soles should be worn. The stroller can only be used on the main road within the village, it is not suitable for climbing rock complexes. Historical rock frescoes should not be touched.•Facilities and Facilities:In the square of Gökyurt village, there is a village coffee house, a fountain, a parking area and stalls where the villagers sell local products. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Gökyurt Mahallesi (Kilistra), 42140 Meram/Konya.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is approximately 48 km from Konya city center. It can be easily reached by all passenger vehicles on a completely asphalt-covered road by turning to the Hatunsaray turnout on the Konya-Antalya road and following the signs.•Real Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): You can come to the village with the Hatunsaray and Gökyurt (Kilistra) village minibuses departing from Konya Eski Garage, or a private vehicle should be preferred.•Parking Availability:There is a free outdoor parking area in the village square and at the entrance of the ruins. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots and Frames:The frame overlooking the valley from the dome windows of the Sandıkkaya Church, which was carved into the solid tuff rock, and the cross-planned interior of the Sümbül Church are extraordinarily photogenic.•Light and Shooting Hours:The yellow-red tones of tuff rocks are at their warmest in the early morning and afternoon sun; The silhouette of the valley at sunset offers a fascinating atmosphere.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:Fresh tandoori bread made by village women in Gökyurt village, organic mountain thyme honey, village cottage cheese and Konya-style sac araca dessert should definitely be tasted.