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Zelve Open Air Museum

Zelve Open Air Museum

Located at the junction of three valleys, the Zelve Open Air Museum offers the most authentic examples of Cappadocian life with rock houses, churches, and monasteries among fairy chimneys.

Meeting of Three Valleys

The Zelve Open Air Museum consists of three interconnected valleys and is one of the largest rock-carved community settlements in Cappadocia. Continuously inhabited from the 9th century until 1952, Zelve was home to both Christian and Muslim communities. Due to the danger of erosion, residents were relocated to the nearby village of Yeni Zelve in 1952.

Fairy Chimneys and Living Spaces

Zelve is one of the areas with the densest fairy chimney formations in Cappadocia. Houses, churches, mills, and storage areas carved into fairy chimneys vividly illustrate traditional Cappadocian life. The Grape Church, Fish Church, and mosque ruins are the museum's prominent structures. Being less crowded than Goreme, it offers visitors a more peaceful exploration experience.