Some rock-hewn structures present oddities in their layout, far from the models shared by the majority of similar monuments. These particularities challenge and question the very process of their design. While a technical survey may explain part of these singular cases, a careful comparative selection of the available methods remains paramount to draw a clearer picture of the progress and organisation of these peculiar worksites. Göreme n°4b is a rock-hewn church located on a ridge on the East side of the road leading to the Göreme Open Air Museum. The obvious difficulties encountered during its excavation make it an ideal case study. Its analysis sheds light on the choices made by the patron, the master builder, as well as the workers’ behaviour during the digging phase. It also unearths clues of the church’s subsequent occupation phases and highlights the change with the initial project.