Alahan Monastery, which the famous Ottoman traveler Evliya Celebi described as looking as new as it is out of the hands of the master, is on the Mersin- Karaman Highway, in the 20 km north of Mut and around Gecimli (Malya) Village.
It is situated on a steep slope overlooking the Göksu Valley at an altitude of 1300 m.
During the spread of Christianity in Cappadocia and Lycia (Konya), those who accepted this new religion of Jesus were forced to worship in rock caverns in the mountainous regions for fear of being killed by unbelievers who were following them.
In order to spread Christianity, St. Paul, together with Barnabas, a Christian pioneer who lived in Tarsus, made adventurous journeys to Konya-Cappadocia and Antalya-Antakya.
Temples were built in honor of them in places where they had accommodated during their trips. Alahan Monastery is one of them.
Alahan Monastery Complex, estimated to have been built in 440-442, consists of Western Church, Monastery, Eastern Church, monk chambers carved into the rocks and tombs in the surrounding area. The church buildings share common architectural features with the Hagia Sophia Museum. A masterful stone carving can be seen in his decoration. The first church is divided into three naves with two series of columns with a Corinthian title. Above and side pillars of the door, which passes from the narthex to the main room, are decorated with reliefs. Apart from figures of St. Paul and St.Pierre, Gabriel with the six-winged who is carrying a wreath, Michael who is smashing symbolic creatures, roaring lion, symbols of the eagle and the ox, depictions of biblical writings, bunches of grapes, vine leaves, and patterns of fish are richly depicted.
The corridor which sacraments are done in it, in the south of large courtyard that is in the east of the churches, is in length of 11 m, is in the form of gallery with arc and column.
In the middle of the gallery, there is a large niche with crowded relief decoration and a large niche. Baptistery with apse in the gallery, and the graves which are most glorious buildings of Alahan Monastery are located against it.
The northern wall of these graves is carved into the rock and has no upper cover. The middle of the main nave is interesting. It is a square-shaped tower covered with four arches sitting on pillars and columns. The tower was transformed into an octagon above. The door frame is decorated.