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Byzantine Fresco of the Crucifixion, mid–11th century,
Elmalı Kilise (Apple Church), Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey
Elmalı Kilise, Cappadocia
It is unknown why this cave church in the Göreme Open Air Museum of Cappadocia in Central Anatolia is called "Apple Church" (Elmali Kilise). This might refer to a reddish orb that the Archangel Michael painted in the dome of the main apse carries in his left hand, or possibly to an apple tree that grew in the vicinity of the church.
Photo by Dan
Apple (Elmali) Church
One of the most prominent buildings in the area with its vivid colors, the church is a groin-vaulted structure with cross-in-square plan, having four columns and a central dome. It has beautiful frescoes dating to the 11th and 12th centuries. And where these have fallen off, you can see simple red-painted ornaments from the iconoclastic period. The frescoes are narrating scenes from the Bible and the life of Christ, the Hospitality of Abraham and Three Hebrew Youths. The building derives its name from the apple orchard collapsed a long time ago, in front of the main entrance.
Source: Cappadocia Tours