Göreme: MRA-TUR-Gor016

Located in the Göreme Valley of Cappadocia, the Saklı Kilise (Hidden Church) is a modest rock-cut Byzantine church, generally dated to the 11th century. Unlike the more conspicuous monuments of the valley, Saklı Kilise was deliberately excavated in a concealed position, accessible only through a narrow passage, reflecting the need for protection and seclusion during periods of instability. The church preserves a restrained but expressive programme of wall paintings, including scenes from the Life of Christ, executed in the provincial Byzantine style characteristic of Middle Byzantine Cappadocia. Its iconography and technique demonstrate the continuity of Orthodox visual traditions adapted to the volcanic tuff architecture of the region. Although less elaborate than neighbouring churches, Saklı Kilise provides valuable evidence for the everyday religious life of local monastic and lay communities and contributes to a broader understanding of Cappadocia as a centre of medieval Christian art and devotion.

Bibliographic sources
Thierry, N., La Cappadoce médiévale; Restle, M., Byzantine Wall Painting in Asia Minor; Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey, Göreme Valley Monuments.

Further reading
Rodley, L., Cave Monasteries of Byzantine Cappadocia; Ousterhout, R., Master Builders of Byzantium; Mango, C., Byzantine Architecture.