Zelve Open Air Museum

Zelve Open Air Museum represents one of the most significant monastic settlements in Cappadocia, inhabited from the 9th to 13th centuries. This expansive site consists of three valleys filled with fairy chimneys, cave churches, chapels, and monastic cells that housed Christian monks and hermits. The museum offers a more rugged and authentic experience compared to Göreme, as visitors can explore numerous caves and climb through various levels of the rock formations.

The site includes several important churches such as the Fish Church (Balıklı Kilise) and the Grape Church (Üzümlü Kilise), featuring well-preserved frescoes depicting religious scenes. Zelve was abandoned in 1950 due to the danger of rock falls, but not before serving as a thriving Christian community for over 400 years. The museum provides insight into the daily life of early Christian monks, with remains of refectories, dormitories, and workshops. The three valleys also showcase some of the most dramatic fairy chimney formations in Cappadocia, making it a paradise for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.