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All 104 Cappadocia Attractions »

Selime Monastery

Turkey
Ranked #5 of 49 attractions in Cappadocia
5.0 of 5 stars 20 Reviews
Type: Caverns/ Caves
Useful Information: Activities for older children
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20 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    1
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Date Rating
Toronto, Canada
Top Contributor
125 reviews 125 reviews
Reviews in 39 cities Reviews in 39 cities
30 helpful votes 30 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012

Seilim Monastery was carved out the rock by Christian monks in 13th century. This is the biggest monastery in Cappadocia with a cathedral sized chruch. The wall were decorated with frescoes. There are a lot of religious and historical monuments.

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Melbourne, Australia
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
37 helpful votes 37 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We arrived late in the afternoon just as the sun was changing the colour of the rock to a soft orange. The photographs from this deserted structure were amazing with some of the caves and the huge exterior beautifully lit. Just before we climbed the unmarked route, a tourist bus was departing and some told us they considered the area... More

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See 2 more reviews by Brian S for Cappadocia
Las Vegas, Nevada
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 February 2012

Do they really make such a building with no tech? amazing stuff

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washington dc
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 January 2012

There are many caves, It is much less crowded than Goreme open air museum. The setting is also prettier. You can climb into the caves and get a good sense how the people must have lived.

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Brisbane, Australia
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 December 2011

It was simply great to walk around the historical places, especially in such unusual, and incredible nature, to see the dedication, devotion and perseverance of early Christian monks.

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Pacific NW (USA)
Top Contributor
59 reviews 59 reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
45 helpful votes 45 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 December 2011

Signage was not too helpful and there was a "traffic jam" on the footpath up and down. There's lots of history here, thoough, and you are right on top and in it.

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Kuwait
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 November 2011

The Selimay Monastery is one the least crowded of Cappadocia's attractions as it is slightly off the beaten track. It is interesting to explore the cave monastery. There are also wonderful views of the surrounding countryside

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istanbul
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 November 2011
1
person found this review helpful

huge cathedral never seen like that place view beatifuul of top

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Santa Clara, California, United States
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 November 2011
2
people found this review helpful

We were blown away by Selime Monastery. The cave churches were so well-preserved and fun to explore, and since it was off the beaten path, we enjoyed it much more than the Göreme Open-Air Museum. Definitely worth the trip.

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Lisbon, Portugal
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 October 2011

It is amazing how a big rock with 1000 years could be home to a christian comunity, very well conserved and the best experience

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