Located about 50 km from the center of Konya (near Gökyurt village in the Meram district), the ancient city of Kilistra was an important settlement during the early Christian period. Known in antiquity as Lystra, the city was inhabited during the Hellenistic and Roman periods (2nd century BC – 3rd century AD) and was expanded by carving into the rocky terrain during the Byzantine era. The visit of apostles Saint Paul and Barnabas to Lystra in the 1st century AD helped spread Christianity in the region; during this period, one of the first female saints, Saint Thecla (Aya Tekla), also converted many people to Christianity. In the early Byzantine period, Kilistra spread across five separate valleys in harmony with natural rock formations, with a city plan that allowed for a discreet and concealed lifestyle.
Carved-out spaces hidden within slopes that retain their natural rocky appearance are interconnected through tunnels and passageways. Remains in Kilistra include rock-carved chapels, churches, monastery structures, rock houses used as living spaces, water cisterns, wine production workshops, rock tombs, and watchtowers built for defense. These structures show that Kilistra is a unique example reflecting the early Christian mysticism and lifestyle seen in regions like Cappadocia and Phrygia. Today, the Kilistra site is open to visitors and holds significance for faith tourism, especially for Christian visitors. A stone-paved section of the ancient Royal Road is still preserved, allowing access to the village and offering visitors the experience of walking along a historical route.
Day trip: The distance from Sillehan Boutique Hotel to the Kilistra (Gökyurt) area is about 45 km, taking approximately 1 hour by car. A Kilistra tour is an enjoyable daily activity where nature and history intertwine. Upon request, we can organize guided Kilistra tours during your stay through our hotel.