Church Of St. John The Baptist (Vaftizci Yahya Kilisesi)
Church Of St. John The Baptist (Vaftizci Yahya Kilisesi)
Church Of St. John The Baptist (Vaftizci Yahya Kilisesi)
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4.0
105 reviews
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51
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32
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17
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4
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1
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Iva S
Prague, Czech Republic700 contributions
Aug 2022
28.08.2022 We explored the ancient, historical Cavusin quite extensively. After climbing to the rock village, we came across a broken footbridge leading over a steep slope to the church Of St. John The Baptist. We didn't want to take any chances. Undeterred, we went back down and found another way up to the church and explored some more rock-cut spaces, where the official road does not lead otherwise. Finally, we climbed into the church. The church is beautiful, I recommend it.. And we went down to the road the same way. I don't understand why the footbridge at the top of the church has not been repaired for years, but you can go there elsewhere. More youtube, travel video PSIS-visit. Iva+Petr Prague CZE
Written 30 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Averil N
Exeter, UK275 contributions
Sept 2013 • Couples
From a distance there is a ruined hill but what? Wind in through the new Cavusin and there is the remains of the old village, apparently demolished in the 60s by an earthquake (no verification) and at the very top the Church of St John the Baptist, only signed as Church, which is supposed to be one of the oldest churches from 4th 5th century? Some of the walking is not good and fairly steep/high. Inside there are still columns and some paintings (Salome dancing is fairly clear) and it must have been quite large. Views out are amazing. Well worth the climb. Atmospheric
Written 22 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bevan M
Rakiura, Stewart Island66 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
Cavusin is awe inspiring and we were amazed by what we saw here. it is a charming village which has a great deal to see and experience,but it has maintained an honest pre-tourist atmosphere. The walk up to the Church of John the Baptist offers excellent views as well a chance to wander through the old rock-carved house-lined village streets. The old buildings are undergoing restoration and redevelopment but the soul of the village remains - but see it soon.
The church of St John is fine, and do visit, but honestly the Cavusin Church ( which is a pay to enter museum) is more worthy of recognition and it has amazing decoration and acoustics. If you're brave enough to tackle the stairway, well done. When we were there there was a Georgian singer (a tourist) singing hymns: an experience to be cherished. I know you won't get to hear him but my advice is to sing your own song - you won't regret it.
The church of St John is fine, and do visit, but honestly the Cavusin Church ( which is a pay to enter museum) is more worthy of recognition and it has amazing decoration and acoustics. If you're brave enough to tackle the stairway, well done. When we were there there was a Georgian singer (a tourist) singing hymns: an experience to be cherished. I know you won't get to hear him but my advice is to sing your own song - you won't regret it.
Written 19 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marco T
Florence, Italy1,923 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
The old, and partly collapsed, town of Cavucin is suggestive, but according to the printed guide we use, the church of San Giovanni Battista should have been an additional pearl, worth the effort of an ascent that was not very difficult but still challenging, because, although very faded, it contained some ancient frescoes. And instead, we found no trace of these paintings. The classic structure of the rock-hewn churches in these parts, but nothing more. Yet the guide in question proclaims itself updated to February 2023. Well...
Written 3 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jsgiguere
Vancouver, Canada121 contributions
May 2016 • Solo
This church (Vaftizci Yahya Kilisesi) is in the small town of Cavusin. When you are in the town look up to the East and you can easily spot this church. As you walk up the hill towards it you will be running through the gauntlet of vendors - just politely decline and visit them after. At the end of the uphill road you will eventually see a sign for the church on your left, follow the steep stairs up and you will find yourself turning back towards the town again but climbing.
Along the way you will pass many caves, some occupied, some are hotels, and some are vacant and for sale - it is interesting to see that local residents still use the caves to this day. As you go near the top the path will narrow and eventually round the corner and you will find yourself at the church.
Do be careful as part of the church has crumbled and the path to get to the foremost part of the church has some very narrow section with no handrail. But if you do get to the front you will be rewarded with a beautiful view below and around.
Along the way you will pass many caves, some occupied, some are hotels, and some are vacant and for sale - it is interesting to see that local residents still use the caves to this day. As you go near the top the path will narrow and eventually round the corner and you will find yourself at the church.
Do be careful as part of the church has crumbled and the path to get to the foremost part of the church has some very narrow section with no handrail. But if you do get to the front you will be rewarded with a beautiful view below and around.
Written 2 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PJAUSTRALIA
Perth, Australia40 contributions
June 2015 • Couples
This abandoned church set high in a cave on the hillside needs desperate preservation but it is wonderful that it is still even there. Don't forget to stop for a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice for only 3 Lira on the way down
Written 28 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jolyon67
Melbourne, Australia5,672 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
The town of Çavuşin is overlooked by a towering cliff dotted with dozens of windows. It is a pleasure to explore, just pick a window and wander in. You never know what you are going to find inside. It is quite a hike to the top but is well worth it for the views. The rooms are in quite a ruined state but the higher you get, the more ornate they seem to get. At the top is the Church of St John, with carved columns and a few faded frescos. There is what could be another church further down, with crosses etched into the stonework. Çavuşin is a very small village, midway between Göreme and Avanos and sees very few tourists.
Written 7 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AuTomJoy
Boston, MA122 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
This place is perfect for those interested in great views and the effort to get them. From an "church" point of view, theres really only ruins but it was defintely worth it just for the view and the fresh squeezed pomogrante juice lady near the top.
Written 2 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John L
Columbia, SC798 contributions
Aug 2019 • Solo
It feels silly to rate something so historic as only average but the pathway up there is not just in poor condition but dangerous. There is trash everywhere and the main Chambers of the church stink of what can only be urine. There is a good view when you get there though (see photos). There are no signs to explain the history of the place. It will take some work but this could be a very good site. Once the work is complete I think it would be justified to charge an entrance fee. That being said, if you want to visit now be prepared for some steep stairs, and a dirty and dangerous pathway! Recommended to the adventurous!
Written 3 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelwithoutmercy
Vientiane, Laos191 contributions
Sept 2018 • Friends
This church is a up a steep set of stairs and then along a cliff edge. It is really only for those who are fit. And at the end of the day it is marginally worth it but not outstanding
Written 28 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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