The Buckle Church — Attraction in Avanos

The Tokalı Church, also known as the Buckle Church, nestled within Göreme Open Air Museum, is a sublime testament to the profound intersection of spirituality and Byzantine artistry in Cappadocia. Dating back to the 10th century, this rock-cut sanctuary unfolds a captivating narrative of religious devotion and artistic brilliance, leaving an indelible mark on those who venture into its sacred chambers.

As I entered the Tokalı Church, the intricate frescoes that adorned its walls immediately transported me to a world where every brushstroke tells a story of faith. The scenes from the Bible, including depictions of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and various saints, are rendered with a level of detail and emotional depth that captivates the soul. The vivid colors and meticulous craftsmanship create an immersive experience, inviting contemplation on the spiritual significance embedded in each image.

The name "Buckle Church" is derived from the architectural features resembling buckles or clasps, adding a unique dimension to its historical significance. The delicate carvings, including the symbolic buckle motifs, showcase the craftsmanship of the Byzantine artisans who carved this sacred space into the Cappadocian rock.

The central dome, adorned with the iconic Christ Pantocrator, radiates a sense of divine presence that permeates the entire church. The architectural layout, with its nave and apse, enhances the overall sense of sacred grandeur within the Tokalı Church.

For those drawn to the intricate interplay of spirituality and art, the Tokalı Church is a must-visit within Göreme Open Air Museum. It's a pilgrimage into the heart of Cappadocia's religious and cultural legacy, where every fresco and architectural detail echoes the enduring echoes of Byzantine creativity...

indimenticabile.....Tokalı Kilise (or the Church of the Buckle), is the largest church in Göreme. Restoration of the church was completed during the 1980s.

One noted feature of the church is the main nave containing ninth century frescoes in "provincial" style, the more recent additions are three apses of the 11th-century frescoes, which are rendered in "metropolitan" style. The church contains frescoes of the twelve apostles, the saints and scenes from the life of Jesus. The church also has a crypt underneath the nave. The Buckle Church is formed of four chambers: the Old Church, the larger New Church, the Paracclesion, and the Lower Church. The Old Church dates to the 10th century. It was originally a single-naved barrel-vaulted church. But its apse was destroyed when the New Church was added at the end of the 10th or early 11th century. Now the Old Church provides entrance to the New Church. The Old Church is decorated with pale hues of red and green painted in strips to represent scenes from the New Testament and depictions of some saints. Panels of rich indigo painted with pigments from the lapis lazuli stone dominate the New Church : scenes from the New Testament, miracles of Christ, the first deacons, episodes from the life of St. Basil (one of the Cappadocian Fathers), depictions of Leades (one of the Forty Martyrs) and St. Menas. The New Church was carved out of the eastern wall of the Old Church and decorated with Eastern-style arches and a series of arcades. The Paracclesion, located at the left side of the New Church, is a barrel-vaulted chapel with a single apse. The Lower Church has three aisles and a burial space or...

Tokall (Buckle) Church is located near the entrance to the Goreme Open Air Museum. It is free to visit and worth a quick stop before buying your entrance ticket and entering the formal open air museum nearby. Give yourself 5 minutes to view the inside of Tokall Church.

The church dates back to the early 9th century and like many other structures in the region was carved out of soft tuff rock, creating interior chambers and rooms used for church and related functions for many centuries. There is some basic information posted outside the church entrance if you want to learn about its history as well as the fresco cycles located within.

What you see inside are nicely frescoed ceilings and walls, some of the most impressive in the region. Photography isn't allowed so just admire what you are seeing. Note there are presently some restorations taking place inside Tokall Church so part of the frescos are covered (Sept 2025) and unavailable to be seen...