History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Pancarlık Valley and Church, hidden between Ortahisar and Mustafapaşa villages, is one of the rock monastery complexes with the best preserved frescoes in Cappadocia. Pancarlık Church, dating back to the first half of the 11th century, was carved into a huge tuff rock mass with a single nave and barrel vault. The frescoes adorning the walls and vault ceiling of the church are painted with yellow and red ocher on a bright green background and have preserved their extraordinary liveliness until today. Biblical scenes such as the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Journey to Bethlehem, the Birth of Jesus, the Massacre of the Innocents, the Presentation in the Temple and the Crucifixion of Jesus are depicted in detail in the frescoes. There are monk cells, rock-carved dovecotes and water cisterns throughout the valley. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
Pancarlık Valley is a virgin nature canyon surrounded by undulating tuff hills and wild fruit trees, located at an altitude of approximately 1,150 meters above sea level. The colorful rock layers and lush green vineyards created by erosion in the valley offer a fascinating landscape to hikers. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Museum card is valid. For visitors who do not have a museum card, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism ticket tariff is applied.•Visiting Hours and Days:Open 7 days a week between 08:30 - 18:30 (17:00 in winter).•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: To protect the thousand-year-old frescoes, flash photography is strictly prohibited inside. Since the church is at a point accessed by rock steps, it is not suitable for strollers and wheelchairs; It is recommended to wear sports-soled walking shoes.•Facilities and Facilities:There is a ticket office, information signs, rest tables and WC at the entrance. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Pancarlık Mevkii, Ortahisar-Mustafapaşa Road, 50400 Ürgüp / Nevşehir.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is 5 km from Ürgüp town center and 4 km from Ortahisar. The last 800 meters of the road branching from the main road to the valley is covered with cobblestones and you can easily go down to the ruins by passenger vehicles.•Real Public Transportation Information: Ortahisar and Mustafapaşa can be reached in 15-20 minutes by walking from the minibus junction; It is possible to reach Ürgüp center by taxi in 7 minutes.•Parking Availability:Free car parking is available for visitors at the entrance of the church. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots and Frames:The Transfiguration fresco with a bright green background on the ceiling of Pancarlık Church, the rock windows opening to the valley from the front of the church, and the historical rock-carved dovecote facades in the valley.•Light and Shooting Hours:Noon hours when natural light enters the church, and cool morning and afternoon hours for valley walking.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:After a nature walk, try tandoori soup and the famous dolaz dessert in Ortahisar or Ürgüp.