The Dark Church Göreme Turkey

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Dark church, a must-visit destination for everyone coming to Nevsehir and organizing a tour, is now serving as an open-air museum. Within this area, which is considered the starting point of the monastery system, there are numerous churches, chapels, settlements, and dining halls. Particularly within the churches, there are decorations and paintings dating back to very ancient times. Due to its unique and significant features, it is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Being a cultural and natural asset, it holds great importance. During guided tours to Nevsehir, Karanlık church is invariably visited, and information about the Dark Church can be obtained.

Located in the important tourism center of Cappadocia, Karanlık church is meticulously preserved due to its historical and distinctive features. Frescoes depicting the life of Jesus from birth to death are present. This important artwork is preserved with special precautions. In addition to the Bible, many events from the Torah are also depicted in frescoes within the Dark church in Göreme open air museum. It stands out as a rare center of faith due to its characteristics. The frescoes inside the church continue to attract the attention of both domestic and foreign tourists during visiting hours.

Dark Church History

The history of the Dark church dates back to the late 11th century and the early 12th century. It is named the Dark Church because it receives very little light through a small window in the narthex. Consequently, the frescoes in the Dark church appear very vibrant in color. The interior of the church features decorations depicting Jesus and scenes from the Bible. Similar to the Elmalı and Çarklı churches, the Dark Church also includes scenes derived from the Torah. The depicted scenes are sourced from the Torah.

The Dark church consists of a central dome, four columns, and three apses. Access to the rectangular, barrel-vaulted narthex of the church is provided. In the southern part of the narthex, there is a tomb. Both the church and the narthex are adorned with rich decorations depicting the Bible and the circle of Jesus. The question of which civilization the Dark Church belongs to is also of interest. The church, which holds significant importance for the Christian world throughout its historical development, served as a hiding place for iconophile Christians. It was constructed in the late 11th century and the early 12th century.

Where is the Dark Church?

The question of “Where is the Dark church located?” is often asked by those who wish to visit. The Dark church is situated in the open-air museum in the Göreme region of Nevşehir province. The Göreme Open Air Museum includes various churches that are must-see attractions, such as the Girls’ and Boys’ Monastery, Barbara Church, Saint Basil church, Snake church, Apple church, and Tokalı church. However, the most remarkable among the churches located within the open-air museum is the Dark Church.

The church has managed to reach the present day without significant structural deterioration. It served as a pigeon house, providing shelter for pigeons, which helped preserve its original appearance for a long time. Subsequent restoration efforts and cleaning have further maintained the church, and it is now under protection. Additionally, the church features a very small window, allowing only a minimal amount of light to enter. This is why it is called the Dark church. As a result, the paintings inside the church have retained their vividness. Although the paintings have been preserved, the church has undergone restoration and is open for visitors today.

Decorations Inside the Church Dark Church Last Supper

The question “Where is the Dark church located?” is often asked by those planning to visit. The Dark church is situated in the open-air museum in the Göreme region of Nevşehir province. Within the Göreme Open Air Museum, there are various churches that are a must-see, including the Girls’ and Boys’ Monastery, Barbara church, Saint Basil church, Snake church, Apple church, and Tokalı church. However, the most prominent among the churches located within the open-air museum is the Dark church.

The church has managed to reach the present day without significant structural deterioration. It served as a pigeon house, providing shelter for pigeons, which helped preserve its original appearance for a long time. Subsequent restoration efforts and cleaning have further maintained the church, and it is now under protection. Additionally, the church features a very small window, allowing only a minimal amount of light to enter. This is why it is called the Dark church. As a result, the paintings inside the church have retained their vividness. Although the paintings have been preserved, the church underwent restoration and is now open for visitors today.

The order of these works;
• Deesis
• Miracle
• Journey to Bethlehem
• Birth
• Adoration of the Three Magi
• Baptism
• Resurrection of Lazarus
• Transfiguration
• Entry to Jerusalem
• Last dinner
• Betrayal
• Hz. Jesus on the Cross
• Hz. Jesus’ Descent into Hell
• Women at the Empty Grave
• Blessing and Appointment of the Apostles
• Hz. Ascension of Jesus
• The Hospitality of the Prophet Abraham
• Burning of three Jewish youths.

Dark Church Visiting Hours

Göreme open air museum’s dark church is open for visits during the summer season from 08:00 to 19:00 and during the winter season from 08:00 to 17:00. Visitors are welcome within these specified hours in both summer and winter. However, it is prohibited for visitors to take photographs inside the church. This decision has been made to prevent any damage to the paintings. Careful protection is ensured to preserve the artworks for many years to come.