Zelve Open Air Museum

The Zelve Open Air Museum in Cappadocia is an extraordinary complex of cave dwellings, churches, and monasteries carved into the soft tuff rock. Once a bustling community and important religious center, Zelve was inhabited from the 9th century until the 1950s. Visitors can wander through the labyrinth of rock-cut homes, fairy chimneys, and tunnels while exploring chapels adorned with simple frescoes. The valley’s three distinct sections showcase the region’s rich history, offering a fascinating glimpse into the blend of natural and human-made wonders in Cappadocia.