The Eski Gümüşler Monastery, also known as 'Old Silver', is a Byzantine-era cave monastery located in the small town of Gümüşler, which is 10km northeast of Niğde town in Niğde province, Turkey. The monastery is easily accessible by bus from Niğde, making it a convenient destination for tourists.
The Eski Gümüşler Monastery is unique in that it is carved out of a large stretch of rock. It is one of the best preserved and largest monasteries of its kind in the Cappadocia region. This makes it a significant site for those interested in history and architecture.
The main apse of the church in the Eski Gümüşler Monastery contains three bands of paintings. The highest band shows Christ Enthroned with two angels to his right, the symbols of the gospel writers, and the Deisis with Mary and the disciples. The lowest band depicts the Cappadocian Fathers of the church: St Basil the Great of Kayseri, Gregory of Nysa, and Gregory of Nazianzus. These paintings add to the historical and artistic value of the monastery.
History & Anthropology Religion Religious building
Efendibey, Niğde
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Gümüşler Monastery has 1 rating.
Gümüşler Monastery, located in Niğde, Turkey, offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich Byzantine history. This rock-cut monastery, dating back to the 10th or 11th century, features well-preserved frescoes that showcase the artistic and religious heritage of the area.
The main attraction is the impressive "Smiling Madonna" fresco, which draws attention for its enigmatic expression. Visitors often comment on the serene atmosphere of the site and the opportunity to explore the various chambers and living quarters carved into the soft volcanic rock.
While the monastery provides an interesting look at historical architecture and religious art, some visitors note that the site is relatively small and can be explored in a short amount of time. Additionally, there have been mentions of limited informational signage in languages other than Turkish, which may affect the experience for international tourists.
The surrounding landscape adds to the overall appeal, with the monastery set against a backdrop of rugged terrain. However, some reviewers point out that accessing the site can be challenging due to its location and limited public transportation options.
Overall, Gümüşler Monastery is appreciated for its historical significance and unique rock-cut architecture. It's a noteworthy stop for those interested in Byzantine history and religious art, though it may not occupy a full day of sightseeing.
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