Only 8 kilometres from central Konya. About half an hour by bus, a quarter of an hour by car.
8km
Straight-line distance to central Konya
20–25dk
Journey time by bus from the centre
64 · 65
The main bus lines serving Sille
1.115m
The valley's elevation — a little cooler than the centre
Options
Sille is part of Konya's public transport network; no separate intercity journey is needed. Once you have reached the centre, the rest is easy.
Services from the city centre to Sille run on lines 64 and 65. Other lines serving the area are 64-A, 64-B, 95-A and 99-A. You will need Konya's transit card to pay; single-use tickets are also available.
The Konya tram does not run to Sille directly, but it will get you quickly to the centre from other parts of the city. Take the tram to the Alaaddin area and change there to bus 64 or 65. A transfer discount applies when using the same card.
Northwest from the city centre, roughly 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. There are parking areas at the entrance to the valley and around the dam. The lanes inside the bazaar are narrow and stone-paved; leaving the car at the valley entrance and walking is both easier and the right way to begin the visit.
The airport is northeast of the city and Sille is to the northwest — so you have to cross the city. The most economical route is to take the airport shuttle or a taxi to the centre and then catch line 64 or 65. A direct taxi in one leg is also possible.
Travellers arriving by high-speed train from Ankara and Istanbul get off at Konya station. From there you take the tram or a bus to the centre and change to the Sille line. On a day trip to Konya, putting Sille in the afternoon makes for a good plan.
Line numbers and timetables can change. The information here gives you a general framework for planning. Before travelling, please confirm current services with Konya Metropolitan Municipality or Moovit.
Location
In the Selçuklu district, in the valley between Takkeli Mountain and Karabuğa Mountain. Coordinates: 37.9203° N, 32.4362° E.
Inside the valley
You cannot really tour Sille by car — and you do not need to. The whole valley is an easy walk, and taken in the right order the history opens up chronologically.
The most open point in the valley. Leave the car here, take in the view, then follow the stream.
Hollows, chapels and burial chambers on the slopes. The valley's oldest layer — look up as you walk.
The Çay Mosque, the bridges and the shops beneath the houses. This is where to take a break.
Right beside the bazaar, free to enter. The landmark building of the valley.
About 230 metres from the church. Take the climb; the museum and the best view of the valley are both up here.
Tips
Two to three hours are enough for the bazaar, the church and the bridges. Add the rock dwellings and the Time Museum and you should allow half a day. Gevale Castle needs a half-day of its own.
Spring and autumn are the most balanced. Summer middays can leave little shade in the valley; in winter the stone lanes and snowy slopes show Sille in an entirely different light — but the ground gets slippery.
The lanes are stone-paved, sloping and channelled in places. If you are heading up the slopes or to the castle, wear shoes with good grip and carry water.
Entry to the Aya Eleni Church is free. The days and hours it is open vary between sources; Mondays are usually closed. Confirm before you set out.
Because the valley is narrow, the light comes in from the side in the morning and late afternoon — that is when the stone texture reads best. For sunset, turn towards the dam.
Sille is not an open-air museum but a neighbourhood where around 3,700 people still live. Ask before entering courtyards, and keep your voice down in the quiet hours.
Have a question?
If something about transport, accommodation or the route is on your mind, write to us — we will help as best we can.