ASIA/TURKEY - Discovery of a church which dates back to the fourth century in Cappadocia with precious frescoes on the life of Christ

Thursday, 28 January 2016

Wikipedia

Nevsehir (Agenzia Fides) - Archaeological excavations in the underground city discovered in 2012 in the city of Nevsehir, in the historical region of Cappadocia, have brought to light an underground church carved into the rock that could date back to the fifth century AD, with frescoes in good condition that are generating excitement among experts and historians. The church is located in an underground area covering an area of 360 thousand square meters, in the archaeological site that is developed in 11 settlements, with a maze of tunnels that extends for at least seven kilometers, connecting temples and stronghold housing.
Among the frescoes - reported to local media Hasan Unver, mayor of Nevsehir - the most precious scenes represent the rarely portrayed Christian iconography. "We have been told", the mayor Unveir told reporters "that some of the frescoes found here are unique. There are suggestive representations as that with Jesus ascending to heaven, or the fight against evil spirits. When the church will be brought to light, Cappadocia could become even more a place of pilgrimage". Other frescoes depict the crucifixion of Jesus and images of apostles, saints and prophets like Moses and Elijah. The continuation of the excavation work, not yet completed, could bring to light other environments with frescoed walls. (GV) (Agenzia Fides 28/01/2016)


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