General Information
Zindanönü Church
Zindanönü Church is a small single-nave chapel located in Meskendir Valley. The church is simple in design and is situated within a tall volcanic cone (Photo 1).
“This is a small chapel carved into a large and isolated rock, located just beyond the mouth of the valley, where the eastern bank deepens. The chapel opens through a rectangular doorway within an arched portico, approximately four meters above ground level, although access is now provided through a side opening” (Thierry, 1994: 282).
Plan and Structural Description
The structure has a simple design and is carved into a tall volcanic cone. The chapel consists of a rectangular entrance, a nave, and an apse. The nave measures 2.85 meters in length and 2.25 meters in width, while the apse has a depth of 1.75 meters (Thierry, 1994: 282). It is noted that the entrance was originally at ground level; however, due to the gradual lowering of the valley’s streambed by approximately four meters over time, the means of access has changed. Today, the apse can be easily reached via a tunnel on the northern side.
Exterior Features
The church is carved into a large, isolated rock, featuring an arched portico in its exterior. The rectangular entrance opens from this portico, which is supported by sturdy columns. The vertical rock surface surrounding the entrance has been flattened, and two tombs are located beside the doorway. Presently, access to the church is provided through an opening on the side of the volcanic cone.
Interior Design
The apse of the chapel contains three niches, with an altar positioned at the center. These niches are integrated into the structure’s walls and have been well preserved. To the north of the nave, there is another niche framed with a simple band. The apse and the ceiling of the nave feature notable decorative elements, including Maltese crosses and Latin crosses.
Exterior Description
The exterior of Zindanönü Church exhibits a simple design carved into volcanic rock. The rectangular entrance door and arched portico stand out as the most prominent visible elements of the exterior. Due to geographical changes in the valley, access to the chapel has deviated from its original layout.
Decoration Program
The chapel’s decorative program predominantly reflects the influence of the Iconoclastic period, although it also includes figurative ornamentation. Red linear motifs and cross figures directly carved into the rock constitute the primary decorative elements. A Maltese cross is located in the apse, a large Latin cross is placed at the center of the ceiling, and additional Maltese crosses enclosed within circles can be found on the north and south walls. On the eastern and southern walls of the nave, two saintly portraits are depicted, each framed separately. One of these saints is portrayed holding a medicine box and a spatula, while the other is depicted in a praying posture (Thierry, 1994: 282).
How to get there?
Zindanönü Mevki, Ürgüp Merkez, Ürgüp, Nevşehir