Zelve Open Air Museum, Aktepe/Avanos: Photos, Reviews & Location

Until 1924, Christians & Muslims lived in this sizable cave village featuring religious paintings.

Aydınlı Mahallesi, Yavuz Sk. No:1 No:1, 50180 Aktepe/Avanos/Nevşehir, Türkiye

muze.gov.tr

+90 384 271 35 35

The view inside the valley is breathtaking. I forgot to take pictures of it actually 🤦‍♂️. People did kind of ruin some of the experience by leaving trash inside the caves. We visited on a photo shoot and there were several other groups taking turns taking photos for all kinds of event and even 2 weddings! If you have time it’s a great place to check out.

Nilufer Usta 2023 Jun 30

What a phenomenal settlement. Until 1960, this was a settlement with fifteen Byzantine-era cave churches. Walking paths allow easy access to these churches. If you are more like me who likes to climb everywhere and discover everything, this is the place to go. I had a wonderful time.

Dean Sharafi 2023 Jun 22

Fascinating place to visit. You need to be fit as there’s a lot of climbing. A must see if you’re in Cappadocia.

Yen Yuan 2023 Jun 15

The Zelve Open Air Museum is among the earliest-settled and last-abandoned monastic valleys in Cappadocia. Compares with the more famous Goreme Open Air Museum, Its churches are not as many, but the best thing that Zelve offers that Goreme does not is the valleys ~ three valleys; of which two are connected by a tunnel, of abandoned homes and churches converge in a meandering 1,5 kilometres of sightseeing. its sinewy valley walls with rock antennae that are wonderfully picturesque places for explore around. In Cappadocia must do list, highly recommended! Museum pass included enter ticket, just need to pay small parking fee, Not suitable for small children and the elderly!

Suciani Arta 2023 Jun 01

Can you imagine people were still living here until 1965? The last resident didn't want to move until one of their children passed away because of rock slide.
As crazy as it sounds, I can understand why they didn't wanna leave. I mean, why would they? With that view that you can see everyday, a vast spread of magnificent rosey hued rocks and ancient structures, this place has a soul.
Spare some extra hour to hike to all available spot. The pictures are gonna be worth it.

Erhan Tellioglu 2023 May 29

It's an incredible place, they carved the rocks and made a city. I think it is one of the best places to see in Cappadocia.

Waving Tree Farm 2023 Apr 15

I visited in the middle of April and the weather was perfect. It's 150 Lira to get in but that also covers Pasabaga.

It's not a huge site but there are tons of caves and a few churches. One still has very visible remnants of the frescos.

It's a little off the beaten path so less tourists which I always enjoy.

TanaP Mtth 2022 Apr 30

This place is very cool! I would love to visit this place again if I have a chance to travel to Turkey. It's quite easy to buy the ticket but I had the meseum pass which is very easy to get inside the place.