Monastic life began in Cappadocia in the 4th century and spread rapidly. Chapels, churches, monasteries, monks' cells, dining halls, warehouses and winemaking areas, all were carved into the huge rocks. Wall and ceiling murals praised the holy family and the first Christian saints.
There are more than 10 churches in the Göreme Open Air Museum, all carved into the rocks. The most convenient style at that time was a single-nave church, sometimes with side aisles. Builders often paid attention to architectural details characteristic of their era. They carved domes, apses, arcosolia, columns in the rock and decorated the interiors with painted crosses, archangels and scenes from the life of Jesus.
Some churches have preserved decorations in the abstract iconoclastic style of the 8th century. For example, the chapel of Saint Barbara has painted crosses surrounded by decorative triangles. This is to portray Jesus and the scriptures.
