Historic 190-year-old Greek church in central Turkey restored as a museum

A 190-year-old Greek Orthodox church, the Saint Eustathios (also referred to as Saint Eustratios) in Incesu, Kayseri, is set to reopen to the public as a municipal museum. Built in 1836, the structure has undergone extensive restoration funded by the Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality to preserve its historical and architectural integrity. The site is a triple-aisled, vaulted building that preserves significant artifacts, including frescoes, stone carvings, and rare inscriptions in Karamanlidika—a Turkish language written in Greek script, historically used by Orthodox communities in Asia Minor.

The church is located between 45 and 50 kilometers from major Cappadocia tourist destinations such as Avanos, Urgup, and Goreme. Local authorities intend to integrate the site into the region's existing tourism routes to boost cultural interest. Restoration efforts focused on maintaining the building's authentic features, such as its unique decorations and religious iconography. As the restoration concludes, the building is transitioning into the Incesu Municipal Museum, marking a new chapter for this significant religious and historical monument.