Thecla (apostle and protomartyr among women) was one of the followers of Saint Paul, who originally came from Tarsus (about 110 kilometres / 68 miles east of the church).
Thecla who was originally from Konya (Iconum of the Antiquity) lived around Silifke, 4km from the church. The grave in the cave probably belongs to her.

 
Up to 312 AD, Thecla's cave was a secret pilgrimage centre. The basilica above the cave was built in 460-470 AD by the Byzantine emperor Zeno and was devoted to her. The church and the other related buildings such as bath are now in ruins, the only standing element being, a part of the abscissage.