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Ak Monastery Sille

4.5
·1k reviews·Sille Subaşı, Türkiye

Step into the 4th century at Ak Monastery Sille, a historic church built by Queen Helena, now a serene testament to centuries of peace.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring and Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Białostocka Hagia Sophia

Ak Monastery Sille

Best Time

Spring and Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into the 4th century at Ak Monastery Sille, a historic church built by Queen Helena, now a serene testament to centuries of peace.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"Major historical vibes, dudes! The place is most ancient and most excellent."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Entry & Info

:ticket: Entry is free! Grab brochures and a Sille map from the attendant. :iphone:

Explore Beyond the Church

:world_map: Spend a full day in Sille to see its numerous attractions beyond the monastery.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ak Monastery (Hagia Eleni Church)

Ak Monastery (Hagia Eleni Church)

Sille Village

Step back in time at this 4th-century church, a testament to centuries of history and interfaith peace.

Sille Village Charm

Sille Village Charm

Sille Village

Wander through a peaceful village undergoing revitalization, showcasing restored streets and a unique historical atmosphere.

Restored Architecture

Restored Architecture

Sille Village

Admire the blend of ancient stone structures and modern restoration efforts, creating a visually appealing historic site.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

While Sille is charming year-round, consider visiting during spring or autumn for pleasant weather. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, allowing for a more peaceful exploration of the Ak Monastery and the surrounding village.

Exploring Sille Village

The Ak Monastery is a highlight, but don't miss the rest of Sille village. Efforts are underway to revitalize this historic area, making it an increasingly attractive tourist destination with restored streets and shopping locations.

Best Times

When
Spring and Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Mavi Tuna Villaları ✨💫✨💫 ————————————————— #moderndesign #modernvilla #müstakilyaşam #konyadavilla #siteiçivilla #müstakilvilla #sillevilla #selçukluvilla
mavi_tuna_villalari
416 likes • 181.9K views

Free Entry & Info

:ticket: Entry is free! Grab brochures and a Sille map from the attendant. :iphone:

Explore Beyond the Church

:world_map: Spend a full day in Sille to see its numerous attractions beyond the monastery.

K.U VİLLA Hem mimarisini hem de iç mimari projesini üstlendiğim taş bina projesinin dış mekan görselleri🌸 #taşbina #tasbinakaplama #stonehouses #stonehousevilla #stonehousecreative #mimariproje #mimaritasarım #dışcephe #villa #konut #kesfet #fypage #fypシ
arcrabiacokkac
69 likes • 0 views
➖D.T. VİLLA 💫 • • • • • Bize sormak istediğiniz her şey için 📞 0(332) 238 0 800 📱 0(501) 106 85 83 ✉️ bilgi@nuktemimarlik.com Daha fazlası için 🔽 www.nuktemimarlik.com https://youtube.com/@nuktemimarlik 📍 Kalenderhane Mh. Şair Senihi Sk. Enntepe Mall Office C Blok 10/1004 Karatay Konya, Turkey #factory #office #home #villa #homedesign #officedesign #officeinteriors #interiorarchitect #l...
nuktemimarlik
45 likes • 3K views

Ongoing Restoration

:construction: Some areas are still under restoration, adding to the site's evolving charm.

Parking Available

:car: Convenient parking is available near the church and garden area.

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Entry & Info

:ticket: Entry is free! Grab brochures and a Sille map from the attendant. :iphone:

Explore Beyond the Church

:world_map: Spend a full day in Sille to see its numerous attractions beyond the monastery.

Ongoing Restoration

:construction: Some areas are still under restoration, adding to the site's evolving charm.

Parking Available

:car: Convenient parking is available near the church and garden area.

Friendly Guides

:bustsinsilhouette: Muslim tour guides are available to explain the church's history.

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Ak Monastery Sille to be a historically significant and beautifully restored site, offering a peaceful glimpse into the past. The free entry and helpful on-site information are appreciated, though some note that certain interior areas are still undergoing restoration. The surrounding village of Sille is also noted for its charm and ongoing revitalization efforts.

"Whoa, bros! Just time-traveled to the totally righteous Hagia Eleni Church in Sille, Konya—built way back in the 4th century by Queen Helena herself, mother of Constantine the Great. Major historical vibes, dudes!

You walk in and it’s like, bam! Icons, stone walls, and holy awesomeness everywhere. The place is most ancient and most excellent—stood strong through centuries of gnarly history and epic peace between Greeks and Turks."

Omar “The Wanderer”

"In this write-up, I will not talk about the historical aspects of this church. You can read about this on the internet. I will try here to shed light on a few areas that might be important to prospect visitors.
I visited this church in December 2023. It is evident that this place has been well restored and works are still on-going. The garden in front of the church and its blue-water fountain are beautiful. There is a place to park your car. At garden’s level, there are toilets and a security office. I was welcomed in English and was told that the entry is free.
The Church looks majestic from the outside. Although the structure of the church is sizeable, you are only allowed to access its main hall. Some of the hall internals still require further restoration works while some others are in a perfect shape. The restored small piano is impressive. There is a person there who will hand you some brochures about the church and Sille, and a very useful touristic map of Sille as well. I did not get the chance to open a discussion with him but, reading other reviews, it appears that he’s available to answer questions and give explanations if requested to do so.
The church is worth visiting. If you can, spend a day in Sille and visit its numerous attractions including this church.

General note about Sille:
Sille, also known as Sille Subaşı and historically Sylata, is a neighbourhood of the municipality and district of Selçuklu, northwest of Konya. To describe it practically, it is a peaceful village trying to find itself a place on the tourist attraction map. It does have some historical landmarks but seems to have been neglected in the past. You can now notice a serious effort by its Municipality to give it a new look, restore what needs to be restored, organize the streets and shopping locations, beautify the general look etc., in what seems to be a move to make it an elegant tourist destination. The efforts are noticeable and are moving in the right direction. I did enjoy a full day there and wouldn’t hesitate to visit it again if I happen to be in Konya."

Muhammad Aljisr Koprulu

"Nice architecture and atmosphere. Just Interesting that there's a Muslim tour guide working in the church explaining the history to the visitors. Sometimes he's not sure about the traditions of the church but he's just doing his job as a tour guide."

S KV

What People Like

Rich historical significance
Beautiful restoration efforts
Peaceful village atmosphere

What People Dislike

Ongoing interior restoration
Some find it 'too polished'

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ak Monastery Sille is located in the Sille neighborhood, northwest of Konya. You can reach it by car or local transport. Many visitors opt for a taxi or a rented car for convenience. The drive from central Konya is relatively short, making it an accessible day trip. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available near the church and the garden area, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

Sille village is a neighborhood of Selçuklu, northwest of Konya. It's a peaceful village that's becoming more of a tourist attraction. Efforts are being made to organize streets and improve its appearance for visitors. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entry to Ak Monastery Sille (Hagia Eleni Church) is free of charge. Visitors can also obtain brochures and a touristic map of Sille at the site. Reddit

While specific hours can vary, the church is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally or visit during typical daytime tourist hours. Some reviews mention it being closed on Monday mornings. Reddit

No, advance booking is not required as the entry is free. You can visit spontaneously. Reddit

Visitors are typically allowed to access the main hall of the church. Some internal areas may still be undergoing restoration work. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside the main hall, you'll find icons and stone walls. Some parts are beautifully restored, including an impressive small piano, while others are still in progress. Reddit

Yes, restrooms are available at the garden level, along with a security office. Reddit

A person at the site can hand you brochures and a touristic map of Sille. They are often available to answer questions and provide explanations about the church and its history. Reddit

Sille is described as a peaceful village with a unique historical atmosphere. It's undergoing revitalization efforts to become an elegant tourist destination. Reddit

The monastery's architecture, both interior and exterior, along with the charming village setting, offers good photographic opportunities. Instagram+2

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the reviews focus on the monastery itself, Sille village is developing its tourist infrastructure. You may find local eateries or cafes within the village as revitalization efforts continue. Reddit

There are no specific restrictions mentioned regarding bringing your own food, but it's always best to be respectful of the religious site and clean up after yourself. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior of the church, the restored interior sections, and the picturesque streets of Sille village offer great photo opportunities. The blue-water fountain in the garden is also a lovely spot. InstagramReddit+2

No specific restrictions are mentioned, but it's always good practice to be mindful and respectful when taking photos inside religious sites. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ak Monastery Sille can be a fascinating stop for families interested in history. The story of Queen Helena and the ancient church can spark children's imaginations. The garden area and the blue-water fountain offer a pleasant spot for a break. Reddit

While the interior might be more about quiet contemplation, the village itself offers a chance for kids to explore. Parking is available, and restrooms are on-site, adding to the convenience for families. Consider it a gentle introduction to historical sites rather than an action-packed adventure. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, Ak Monastery Sille is a must-visit. Its 4th-century origins and connection to Queen Helena provide a deep dive into early Christian history and Byzantine architecture. The ongoing restoration efforts offer a unique perspective on heritage preservation. Reddit

Beyond the monastery, the entire Sille village offers a historical narrative of coexistence and revitalization. Exploring the restored streets and learning about the village's past will be highly rewarding for anyone passionate about historical sites and cultural evolution. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find Ak Monastery Sille and its surroundings visually appealing. The ancient stone architecture, the contrast between restored and unrestored sections, and the picturesque village lanes provide diverse subjects. Instagram+2

Don't miss the garden with its fountain for some serene shots. The overall atmosphere of Sille village, with its unique blend of history and ongoing development, offers ample opportunities for capturing evocative images. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historical Significance of Ak Monastery

The Ak Monastery, also known as the Hagia Eleni Church, boasts an incredible history dating back to the 4th century. It was reportedly built by Queen Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, during her pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This makes it one of the oldest Christian sites in the region, standing as a testament to early Christian architecture and devotion. Reddit

Over the centuries, the monastery has witnessed significant historical events and periods of peace between different communities. Its survival through various eras highlights its resilience and importance. The site represents a unique intersection of history, faith, and cultural heritage, making it a compelling destination for those interested in ancient civilizations and religious history. Reddit

Recent restoration efforts have brought renewed attention to the monastery, preserving its ancient structure while making it more accessible to visitors. The ongoing work ensures that future generations can appreciate its historical and architectural value. Reddit

Exploring Sille Village: A Revitalized Gem

Sille, historically known as Sylata, is more than just the Ak Monastery; it's a village undergoing a significant transformation. Located northwest of Konya, it's a peaceful area that's actively working to establish itself as a tourist attraction. The local municipality is investing in restoring streets, organizing shopping areas, and beautifying the overall appearance of the village. Reddit

Visitors can expect to find a charming atmosphere with a blend of old and new. The efforts to revitalize Sille are noticeable, creating an environment that respects its historical roots while embracing modern tourism. Wandering through its streets offers a glimpse into a community dedicated to preserving its heritage and welcoming visitors. Reddit

Beyond the monastery, Sille offers a chance to experience a quieter side of Turkey, away from the bustling cities. The ongoing development suggests that Sille will become an even more elegant and engaging tourist destination in the coming years. Reddit

Community Insights on Visiting Ak Monastery

Travelers and creators alike highlight the welcoming nature of Ak Monastery Sille. Many are surprised and appreciate that a Muslim tour guide is available to explain the church's history, showcasing the interfaith harmony the area represents. While guides may not always be experts on specific church traditions, their willingness to share information is highly valued. Reddit

Visitors often note that while the exterior is majestic and the garden with its blue-water fountain is beautiful, the interior restoration is ongoing. Some find the restored parts 'too polished and modern,' lacking a certain 'church vibe,' while others are impressed by the preserved elements like the small piano. The free entry and availability of helpful brochures and maps are consistently praised. Reddit

Overall, the consensus is that Ak Monastery Sille is worth visiting, especially when combined with a day exploring the rest of Sille village. The community's efforts to restore and promote the area are recognized and appreciated by those who visit. Reddit

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