Kilise Cave
Columns, capitals, mosaic flooring and oil lamp sockets in the cave, which is the first of the Cennetağzı Caves and also known as the church cave, show that the cave was used as a secret worship center by the first Christians during the period when paganism was dominant and Christianity was forbidden. The remains in this cave are decorated with motifs bearing the traces of the early-Christian period. The cave is organized in two parts. In the first part, the floor is paved with original plant and geometric motif mosaics. A small apse was opened on the east wall of the second section and there are stepped steps in front of it. This cave, which is a very old Christian church, was used as a secret place of worship in the first years of the spread of Christianity. In its original form, the cave has been given a monumental shape, worthy of its importance, with two columns that open outwards. It is a natural cave, partly flattened by hewn cliffs, and was used for worship during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Since the religion of Christianity was not officially accepted by the Roman Empire when the cave was first used, the first Christians worshiped in this cave. There is a mosaic with geometric animal and vegetal patterns on the floor, and the mosaics, which were destroyed over time, are partially preserved today. On the right side of the cave (Northwest) there is a wide niche opened for the sarcophagus. According to sources; there should be the sarcophagus of St. Andrew, one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ. However, only the sarcophagus remains today. On the left side (North East) of the entrance is the apse of the church. There are stone artifacts from the Roman and Byzantine periods in the cave and niches made for burning candles on the walls. Outside the cave, there are intrusive walls made of cut stones and bricks built during the Byzantine period.
