Zelve Open Air Museum

"Zelve Valley is indeed a remarkable destination for exploring Cappadocia's rich history and stunning landscapes. The well-marked walking paths lead visitors through a scenic 2-kilometer trek along the Y-shaped valley, where you can discover various cave rooms and take in the breathtaking terrain filled with picturesque cones and enchanting caves. The fallen rock formations provide a unique cross-section view of the ancient dwellings, allowing you to appreciate the historical context of this incredible site. Unlike the Göreme Open Air Museum, Zelve’s churches are less preserved, resulting in fewer visitors, which creates a tranquil atmosphere ideal for exploration. Mornings in spring are particularly magical, as blooming flowers and soaring birds enhance the experience. Zelve's significance as a Byzantine settlement dating back to the 500s makes it a unique archaeological treasure, with half of Cappadocia's sixth-century churches located here. Although much of Zelve's specific history remains unknown, the architectural style offers clues about its past as a troglodyte village that transitioned to a Christian community during the Greco-Roman period. Throughout its long history, Zelve has undergone numerous changes, with many cave rooms repurposed and some areas collapsing over time. The simplicity of the carved spaces suggests that Zelve functioned as an agricultural village rather than a center of elite social status or monastic life. Following the Byzantine era, Zelve became a Turkish village in the Ottoman Empire, where the community continued to inhabit and expand the carved spaces, including a unique rock-cut mosque. However, by the early 1950s, the deteriorating conditions of the valley prompted the resettlement of families to nearby Aktepe, particularly after a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a young girl. Today, Zelve is recognized as an official open-air museum and UNESCO World Heritage site, though its narrative has evolved to emphasize its ancient monastic past while overlooking the more recent Turkish history. The descendants of Zelve's past residents now operate cafés and shops just outside the museum, providing basic services to tourists while keeping the memory of their former home alive. Despite the romanticized portrayal of Zelve, the rich tapestry of its history encompasses both Byzantine and Ottoman influences, making it a fascinating place to visit and explore."

"The open-air museum of Zelve - features rocks with knobbly peaks, dotted with cave houses that reflect ancient Cappadocia. The settlement began life as a monastery in the 9th century and was a thriving village in the 20th century. The village had to be abandoned in 1952 due to the risk of erosion and rockfall. Now the whole valley is simply a museum. There are some interesting chapels to see - the most intact being the Üzümlü (Grape) Church - and a rather picturesque rock-hewn mosque. But the real joy of this place is exploring the fire-darkened interiors of the cave dwellings along the winding rock paths and taking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. 💶 Paid admission"

"The entrance tickets to the Pasabag/Monk Valley include Zelve, too, so keep them with you. Download the MuzeKart app in advance, carry headphones, and scan the QR code on the ticket to access the free audio tour. "