The Red Church, which has a history of approximately 1500 years and was built in the name of St. Gregorius, one of the founders of the Orthodox Sect, awaits its visitors in the Sivrihisar Village of the Güzelyurt district of Aksaray. The Red Church, which is under restoration and is on the World Monuments Fund’s list of historical monuments in danger, is located on the plain between the mountains. The church, which has a unique appearance, draws attention as one of the historical hidden treasures of Cappadocia.
Known as the hidden treasure of Cappadocia, the Red Church in Aksaray continues to host local and foreign tourists. The church, which makes its visitors take a 1500-year history journey, was built in the name of St. Gregorius, who lived in the 5th and 6th centuries and was one of the founders of the Orthodox Sect. The Red Church, located near the Sivrihisar Village of the Güzelyurt district, was included in the “World’s 100 Most Endangered Historical Artifacts List” by the World Monuments Fund in 2008. Located on a plain between the mountains, the Red Church enchants everyone with its view from near and far.
Saint Gregorius Continued His Christian Activities in the Red Church
It is known that the church, which was made of red stones when it was built, got its name from here. It is known that Saint Gregorius, one of the founders of the Red Church, the Orthodox Sect, which is the hidden treasure of Cappadocia, lived here the last moments of his life after returning to Güzelyurt from Istanbul. The Red Church, which was built in the name of St. Gregorius, whose body was buried here after his death, is being restored due to its years-defying structure and gradually destroyed texture. It is known that the church, which restoration works started in 2011, is one of the oldest churches in Cappadocia.
More than 600 thousand Tourists Visit Annually
Aksaray Governor Hamza Aydoğdu, who said that right after the prohibition of Christianity in Rome at that time, St. Gregorius and Basil in Aksaray started activities in Cappadocia, states that the Red Church has a special meaning for the Orthodox. Saying that it contains red stones in its raw material, Aydoğdu says that the church draws attention even though it is one of the oldest churches in Cappadocia. Aydoğdu also states that when looking at the architectural feature of the church, it has important touches from the 5th and 6th centuries and it was built with a free cross-plan construction order. Stating that many tourists visit the church in the summer months, Aydoğdu points out that the Red Church is seen by over 600 thousand tourists, along with the Manastır Valley and Ihlara Valley in the region. (HND)
