Aya Tekla Church, Byzantine cave church ruins in Silifke, Turkey
Aya Tekla Church is a Byzantine-era cave sanctuary with multiple sections including a main cave shrine, a separate northern church building, and stone basins for water storage. The partially preserved structures reveal the original layout of this ancient religious complex that served both devotional and practical needs.
Construction of the sanctuary began in the 4th century around a cave where Saint Thecla, a companion of Apostle Paul, established her refuge and spiritual community. The site quickly became a pilgrimage center that drew believers who traveled far to seek her intercession and healing power.
The site holds deep meaning as a sanctuary dedicated to Saint Thecla, one of the earliest women saints revered across Christian traditions. Visitors can sense the spiritual importance this place held for pilgrims seeking healing and divine protection over many centuries.
The site sits south of Silifke along the main coastal road and is accessible by foot from nearby parking areas. Wear sturdy shoes for navigating rocky ground and bring water, especially during warmer months when the sun exposure can be intense.
According to local tradition, Saint Thecla vanished into a crevice within the cave while fleeing persecution, an event that sparked the establishment of this sacred place as a holy center. This mysterious occurrence transformed the location into a renowned destination for Christian pilgrims across centuries.
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