Kizil Kilise - Red Church Located in the Güzelyurt District of Aksaray Province in Turkey, the Red Church or Kızıl Kilise is an ancient church that has been partially ruined over time. The church dates back to the sixth century and was most likely constructed during the reign of Emperor Justinian I (r. 527–565). It is considered one of the oldest Christian churches in Cappadocia and could have been dedicated to Saint Gregory of Nazianzus, who is the patron saint of Ihlara Valley and Guzelyurt areas and one of the early Cappadocian church fathers that lived between 329 and 389 AD. In the fifth and sixth centuries, cross-shaped floorplans were commonly used for church designs in Central and Eastern Cappadocia, and the Kızıl Kilise Church follows this same design. Skilled workers used volcanic stones to create regular blocks, exemplifying architectural form. The central dome, which is raised over an octagonal drum, is the most notable feature of this chapel. Eight windows are present in the drum, which allows for ample light to penetrate the nave. The narthex, which is the only addition to the original building, remains intact. The architecture suggests that the church may have been used as an imperial or burial chapel, and many pilgrims may have found their way here on their pilgrimage to Jerusalem in ancient times, even though it is located in an isolated area today. Since 2008, the Kızıl Kilise has been listed on the World Monuments Watch as an important site to preserve.