Kızıl Kilise, Byzantine church in Güzelyurt, Turkey.
Kızıl Kilise is a Byzantine church in Güzelyurt built from red volcanic stone and distinguished by its eight-sided structure with a large central dome. The interior is lit by eight windows set into the octagonal drum that supply natural light throughout the church space.
The church was built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian I and marks the Byzantine expansion into central Anatolia during that period. It served as an important stop for pilgrims and travelers heading toward Jerusalem.
The red volcanic stone blocks were quarried locally and reflect how early builders in the region constructed their structures. You can see the careful craftsmanship of that time in the uniformly cut stone as you walk through the church.
The site is easy to reach and the grounds are generally walkable, though you should expect uneven surfaces. It is wise to wear sturdy shoes and allow time to examine the architectural details and stonework more closely.
The interior layout displays a rare cross-shaped floor plan typical of 6th-century Byzantine buildings in the region. The narthex was added later, but the original layout remained otherwise unchanged, making the structure stand out among similar buildings.
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