Sille Village
A Village Of Stone Houses, Caves And A Rock Cut Church, The Aya Elena (Saint Helena) Church, With A Small River, A Mosque, Cafes And A Konya Lunch Tradition, In A Valley Reached By A Short Drive. A Quiet Half Day With A Greek Orthodox Heritage · Selcuklu, Konya
Sille is a small village in a rocky valley about 8 km north-west of the centre of Konya, reached by a short bus or taxi ride from the city. For centuries it was home to a Greek Orthodox community, and many of its stone houses, arched doorways and rock-cut cellars date from that time, with the population exchange of the 1920s ending the community (confirm). Today a small stream runs through the valley, the cliffs are pitted with caves and rock chapels, and narrow lanes climb between stone houses and walled gardens. The main sight is the church of Aya Elena, named for Saint Helena, a stone building with wall paintings that has been restored and is sometimes open to visitors (confirm). Restaurants and tea houses serve Konya dishes, and local families come at weekends to eat by the stream. Mosques, rock chapels and a village museum add variety. A visit takes a half day, and an early start avoids the crowds.
Sille, a village of old Greek houses in a rocky valley about 8 km north-west of the centre of Konya; coordinates approximate, Selcuklu, Konya, Turkiye
The village lanes are open at all hours, and the best time to walk them is between about 09:00 and 19:00 in summer. The Aya Elena church and the small museum keep their own hours, often daytime only and closed on one weekday, with winter closures (confirm). Restaurants and tea houses open from mid-morning to late evening, with the busiest hours on weekend afternoons. The cave paths and the valley sides have no lighting, so leave before dusk, and confirm the church opening and fee before you go.