Three Cross Church (Üç Haçlı Kilise / St. Agathangelus Church)

Three Cross Church (Üç Haçlı Kilise), also known as St. Agathangelus Church or Güllüdere Chapel No. 3, is one of Cappadocia's finest hidden rock-cut churches. Located in Güllüdere Valley near Red Valley, the church is renowned for the three monumental crosses carved into its ceiling, one of the most distinctive architectural features found in Cappadocia's cave churches. Dating to the late 9th or early 10th century, it combines remarkable stone reliefs with well-preserved Byzantine frescoes. Key Info Location: Güllüdere (Rose Valley I), near Red Valley, Cappadocia Duration: 15–30 minutes Entrance: Free (accessible via hiking trails) Best Time: Daytime Experience Unlike many churches known primarily for their frescoes, Three Cross Church is celebrated for its exceptional stone carvings. The massive relief cross carved into the flat ceiling, accompanied by two additional crosses and palm motifs, is considered one of the finest examples of Cappadocian rock-cut decoration. Inside, visitors can also admire impressive Byzantine frescoes, including a beautifully preserved Christ in Majesty scene in the apse. Hidden among the cliffs of Güllüdere Valley, the church rewards hikers with both artistic masterpieces and a peaceful natural setting. Highlights Three monumental ceiling crosses One of Cappadocia's finest stone relief carvings Byzantine frescoes including Christ in Majesty Historic monastic complex with adjoining chambers Hidden location within Güllüdere Valley How to Visit The church is reached by hiking through Güllüdere Valley from Çavuşin. It is commonly combined with Haçlı Church (Church of the Cross), Üzümlü Church (Grape Church), Red Valley, and Rose Valley, making it one of the highlights of Cappadocia's historic valley church network.