Alahan Monastery
Alahan Manastırı
A 5th-century Byzantine monastic complex on a cliff terrace of the Taurus Mountains, whose finely carved rectangular church facade is remarkably well preserved and listed on UNESCO's tentative list.
Alahan Monastery was built in the Isaurian period of the 5th century on a cliff terrace about 1,200 meters above the Göksu Valley. It comprises caves, a baptistery, the West Church and the well-preserved East Church. The columns, arches and lintels of the East Church are carved with the symbols of the Evangelists and grapevine patterns, and it is regarded as a masterpiece of early Byzantine architecture. From Silifke, a drive via Mut takes about 1.5 hours, and the monastery is often combined with the Göksu Gorge scenery into a day trip. There is a small visitor center, and tickets are required.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–17:00 (extended hours in summer)
Nearby sights
- Uzuncaburç (Diocaesarea)
- Frederick Barbarossa Memorial
- Silifke Castle
- Boğsak Bay & Island
- Hagia Thekla (Ayatekla)
- Silifke Museum
- Göksu Delta
- Astım Cave (Wishing Cave)