Eski Gumus Attractions

Barely 10km/7mi northeast of Nigde lies the town of Gümüs where a gorge separates Eski Gümüsler and Yeni Gümüsler. The former's man-made rock caves are reminiscent of the Cappadocian Zelve canyon. Some well-preserved frescoes which date from the 11th century can be found in a rock church in the northern part of the town. The church with an inner courtyard was formerly used as stables and its original function may well have been as a fortified church or a retreat, while the frescoes show Mary with child between the Archangels Gabriel and Michael, the Annunciation and the birth of Jesus. The dome of the square church rests on four pillars. The central apse on the east side shows a three-part fresco with Jesus, the Archangel Gabriel, Mary, the four Evangelists with symbols, the Apostles and the Early Fathers.