Göreme Open-Air Museum

Its story

The Göreme archaeological site is an open-air museum made up of churches, chapels, refectories and monks' cells carved into soft tuff rock. Monastic life in the region grew stronger in the 4th century with the teachings of Basil the Great, bishop of Kayseri. During the Iconoclast period (726–843) decoration was limited to crosses and geometric motifs; afterwards, especially in the 10th and 11th centuries, the churches carved here were adorned with colorful frescoes depicting Gospel scenes. The Elmalı (Apple), Karanlık (Dark), Yılanlı (Snake) and Çarıklı (Sandal) churches are the most visited buildings on the site. The area was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985 as 'Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia'.

Period

Mainly 10th–12th-century rock churches

Admission

Paid; Müzekart valid (Turkish citizens); the Karanlık (Dark) Church requires a separate ticket

Best time

Early morning; April–June and September–October

Getting there

About 1.5 km from central Göreme

Visit duration

1.5–2 hours

Trip purpose

• Photography
• Hiking
• Traveling with kids

Location

38.63906, 34.84558

Where to eat nearby

60 venues within about 2 km

• Muzenin Kahvesi

  Café

  100 m

• Volcanic Cave Cafe

  Café

  590 m

• Jacob's Coffee House

  Café

  340 m

• Zemi cafe

  Café

  770 m

• Valley Café

  Café

  810 m

• Cafe Natural

  Café

  940 m

• Kapadokya Han Restaurant

  Restaurant

  590 m

• Seyyah Han Restaurant & Cafe

  Restaurant

  600 m

Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors; Overture Maps

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