Azize Thecla Yeraltı Kilisesi

If you happen to be in Silifke, you can stop by. A precious and beautiful relic. Well maintained and free place. Do not use the side of the mountain road, it is very steep and narrow, it is more logical to enter from the Taşucu road.

We went early in the morning. There was no one, we were alone. So I guess it's still worshiped because there were flowers or something. It is a place that can be visited and seen on the way back from Mersin to Gaziantep. If you love history, definitely go. I went and did not regret it. I recommend ?

It can be visited for free, no parking problem. A beautiful cave church. It can be visited in 10 minutes.

Aya Tekla Underground Church (Meryemlik): The Ruins, located four kilometers from Silifke Town Center, is one of the oldest and most important centers of Christianity in Anatolia. One of the apostles of Jesus, St. When Tekla, who was influenced by Paul's sermons, was making propaganda to spread Christianity, she was exposed to pressure from pagans and learned that she was going to be killed, she escaped to Seleucia and hid in a cave that was later turned into a church. It is believed that he was lost in this cave while he was going to be killed again. The cave in which Aya Tekla lived was considered sacred by the Christians after her disappearance; until this religion İ.S. It was used as a secret place of worship until it was released in 312. This cave was later built by IV. It was converted into a church in the 19th century. Summer Term: April 1 - October 1 Opening Time: 08:00 Closing Time: 19:00 Winter Period: 1 October - 1 April Opening Time: 08:00 Closing Time: 16:45 Box Office Summer / Winter Closing Hours Summer Term: 18:00 Winter Period: 16:15 Closed Days open every day

When the Saint Thecla Underground Church is viewed from the outside, only one column of the monastery has survived. There is an underground cistern outside. The church under the ground is descended with 8-10 steps. It is very cool and humid inside compared to outside. If you come at noon, the weather is very good. A gift/item is left as a sign of respect. With its carved rooms, a small living space is created inside. I think it is one of the rare places to see. It's interesting to learn about its history. Entry is free.

Aya Thekla Monastery - Mersin The history of Meryemlik begins with the arrival of Saint Thekla here. One of the apostles of Jesus, St. Impressed by Paul's sermons, 17-year-old Thekla devoted herself to Christianity. st. While this valuable student of Paul was making propaganda to spread Christianity in Konya and Yalvaç, he was exposed to pressure from pagans and learned that he was going to be killed, he escaped to Seleucia and hid in a cave that was later turned into a church. While spreading the Christian belief against the polytheistic religion to the people in the region from the cave where he took refuge, he also heals the sick by creating miracles. It is believed that he was lost in this cave when he was going to be killed again. When you arrive at the area where the Azize Tekia area, also known as Meryemlik, is located, leave your vehicle at the entrance where the cottage is and enter. If you have a Müzekart, you can visit the Aya Tekla Sanctuary for free. When you enter the sanctuary, take the first right. After the official acceptance of Christianity in the Roman period, a church was built on the cave. According to the researches, it is understood that the size of the church is 55 meters long and 36 meters wide. When you think about it, the church here is quite a big building. Today, part of the apse of the church can be seen.