19-11-2022 -
History
Easter in Cappadocia
One of the best places to celebrate Easter is Cappadocia, which has churches built by the earliest Christian monks in their caves as well as fairy chimneys, enormous linear pillars, cones, and spires rising in a clear blue-white sky. It is advised to visit Goreme because it is famed for its open museum because the bizarre terrain, which is built of compressed volcanic ash, extends for miles. You and your family will have a lovely time celebrating Easter in Cappadocia
The oldest chapel in this museum is devoted to St. Basil, the founder of the entire monastic tradition. One enters a spherical enclosure with colorful frescos of what are known as Maltese crosses, painted in red ochre, as well as frescos of Jesus Christ and George slaying a scaly dragon after stepping over the open graves of the previous monks, shaped like rectangular bodies. When not persecuted by the Romans, the monks would pray in these caverns before going to the villages to instruct the Christians in their houses.
The most impressive cave churches at the location, like the Dark Chapel and St. Barbara's Chapel, are painted in vibrant frescos showing an early version of Jesus at the last supper, Judah kissing him, or Lazarus rising from the dead.
Christianity in Cappadocia
The historic region of Central Anatolia known as Cappadocia is bordered by the cities of Hacibektas, Aksaray, Nigde, and Kayseri. It still goes by the name Cappadocia, as it did in antiquity. The most visually stunning area of Turkey is Cappadocia, particularly the moonscape region around the villages of Urgup, Goreme, Uchisar, Avanos, and Mustafapasa (Sinasos), where erosion has created caves, clefts, pinnacles, fairy chimneys, and sensual folds in the soft volcanic rock.
Cappadocia is a wealthy agricultural region despite the volcanic landscape's tendency to appear hostile since the soil is great for growing fruits and vegetables. It has historically been one of the best regions in Anatolia for growing grapes and still has a lot of fruitful vineyards and wineries.
Although Cappadocia is mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, this region in central Anatolia has a long history dating back to the Hittite era, far before the time of Jesus.
Cave Churches in Cappadocia
It is not yet known how many churches and chapels are hidden in the Cappadocia area. The best-knowns are inside the Goreme Open-Air Museum but wherever you go you will find other churches.
At Cavusin, the church of St. John the Baptist rises on top of the hill. The church was built in the 5th century and it is the biggest cave church of Cappadocia even though it was divided into three rooms in the 10th century against the danger of collapsing. Most of the frescoes of St. John the Baptist church are faded by smoke but there are still some visible ones. Its cathedral-like proportions are also astounding. Cavusin (Nicephorus Phocas) Church is the barrel-vaulted church, with one nave and three apses situated 2.5km from Goreme on the Goreme-Avanos road. Its narthex is collapsed. The church was built around the late 900s.
Rose Valley and Red Valley connecting Goreme to Cavusin also have some cave churches decorated with frescoes. The most important ones are The Church of St. Nichlitas and the Church with the Cross
Visiting these amazing churches is FREE with the famous Red Tour of Cappadocia Travel Pass® There are many to see in this amazing region, check out 25+ handpicked attractions here.
Easter in Turkey
You might be curious about how to celebrate Easter in Istanbul if you're planning a trip to Turkey during that time. Turkey has a more significant role in biblical history than most people are aware of. Turkey is now on many people's Easter vacation itineraries. One of the most unusual sites to celebrate Easter is undoubtedly the House of the Virgin Mary. Over the Easter Cappadocia weekend, religious services will be held at this shrine on Mount Koressos in Ephesus, which served as the Virgin Mary's residence and is where she died.
The largest and most well-known Roman Catholic Church in Istanbul is the Church of St. Anthony of Padua or Sent Antuan in Turkish. It is situated on Istiklal Street, one of Istanbul's most well-known locations. Both tourists and locals frequently stop by this magnificent neo-gothic church to pray and light candles. On the other side, the Easter weekend offers a great chance to really attend mass, and there will be a variety of services offered.
The most well-known bakery in Istanbul, where you may sample the best sweet Easter Bread, is located here. Ustun, a well-known cook, continues to utilize the recipe that her family, who lived in Istanbul beginning in the late Byzantine period and advanced the art of baking there through centuries of experience, passed down to her. Take in Turkey's historical and natural splendors this Easter!
Having 25+ years of experience in tourism, we handpicked the best attractions for you in the Cappadocia region so you won’t get lost in many things to do. While we creating this Cappadocia Travel Pass® we also wanted to have a bargain price for you to come to Cappadocia again. Check the prices here and you’ll see the amazing deal you can get if you buy a Cappadocia Travel Pass®.
Here are the top things to do in Cappadocia for you not to miss! There are many more included for FREE with Cappadocia Travel Pass® you can check here.
