Near Fethiye and three kilometers from the village of Kayaköy is the Af Kule Monastery, whose name translates to 'Tower of Forgiveness' in English. The Af Kule Monastery is a prehistoric building carved directly into the side of a sheer cliff.
Legend has it that a monk named Ayios Eleftherios discovered this picturesque spot in the 11th century. He thought it would be a peaceful spot to pray, so he started carving a little monastery into the rocks on a 10-square-meter plot of land adjacent to a steep hill, using only the most essential tools. The monk spent the last years of his life living in the monastery he was building, a place where he was supposed to have offered penance to God in silence and seclusion.
How to explore Af Kule Monastery?
- The actual monastery building is two stories tall. If you go downstairs, you will see a rectangle chamber and a rainwater collection tank off to the room's left.
- You can climb up the interior staircase to the first floor to view chambers of the monk. The first of these chambers is more like a hall than a room. After the monk's passing, his supporters erected a structure just below the monastery.
- The chapel's remains can be found not far from the monastery; unfortunately, only a few walls were preserved. The roof and Aspidum (arch) are long gone.
- It is one of the city's most prominent landmarks. The view of Cape Kurdoglu and Iblis, two of Fethiye's most famous sites, is stunning from the monastery's terrace. On a clear-sky day, you can view the island of Rhodes from the top of this tower.
- You must cross through a dirt and forest road to reach this tower. Several hundred meters into the woods, you will need to park your car and take up a hiking trail. The route to Af Kule is delineated by red and yellow stripes on stones every few meters.
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