Goreme Open Air Museum

Discovering the Open-Air Museum in Cappadocia

Cappadocia’s Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this unique region. This historical gem, located 1km uphill from Göreme’s center, is renowned for its stunning collection of rock-cut churches, chapels, and monasteries.

A Journey Through Byzantine Monastic Life

Originally a Byzantine monastic settlement housing around 20 monks, the site evolved into a significant pilgrimage destination from the 17th century onward. The Open-Air Museum stands as a testament to the region’s rich Byzantine heritage, showcasing remarkable examples of monastic artistry.

Highlights of the Open-Air Museum

The Dark Church (Karanlık Kilise)

The Dark Church is the highlight of the museum, requiring an additional entrance fee. Its name derives from the minimal natural light inside, which has preserved the vividness of its frescoes.

The frescoes depict various scenes from the life of Christ, including the Nativity, the Transfiguration, and the Crucifixion.

The church’s restoration was costly, and the fee helps limit visitor numbers to preserve its exquisite art.

Chapel of St Basil

From the museum entrance, a cobbled path leads to the 11th-century Chapel of St Basil. Dedicated to St Basil of Kayseri, one of Cappadocia’s most important saints, the chapel features a Maltese cross, and frescoes of St George and St Theodore slaying a dragon.

The apse depicts Mary holding baby Jesus with a cross in his halo.

Chapel of St Barbara

Nearby, the Chapel of St Barbara, thought to be carved by Byzantine soldiers, honors their patron saint. The ceiling’s red ochre motifs possibly represent the Ascension. Frescoes of St George and a dragon, along with other religious symbols, adorn the walls.

Apple Church (Elmalı Kilise)

Continuing down the path, you’ll find the Apple Church, known for its colorful frescoes. Biblical scenes, including the Ascension and Christ Pantocrator, are beautifully depicted. The church’s name might come from a nearby apple tree or a misinterpretation of a globe held by Archangel Gabriel.

Snake Church (Yılanlı Kilise)

Further uphill is the Snake Church, or Church of St Onuphrius. Named for a misidentified dragon fresco, this church features St Onuphrius holding a palm leaf and a financier of the church depicted beside Jesus.

Other Notable Chapels

Along the path, you’ll encounter the Pantocrator Chapel and Nameless Chapel (İzimsiz Şapel), which display simple red-ochre geometric decorations and Maltese crosses. Additionally, caves along the route likely served as dining and kitchen areas for the monks.

Sandal Church (Çarıklı Kilise)

As you head downhill, the 13th-century Sandal Church awaits, named for the footprints in its floor believed to represent Jesus’ last steps before his ascension. Despite less-preserved frescoes, the colors remain vivid, showcasing the four gospel writers and the Betrayal by Judas.

Rahibeler Monastery

At the base of the hill, near the museum entrance, the Rahibeler Monastery offers a glimpse into the past. Once several stories high and home to a small community of nuns, today only a large dining hall and a small chapel remain, both affected by rock falls.

Buckle Church (Tokalı Kilise)

After exiting the museum, cross the road to visit the Buckle Church, located 50m down the hill towards Göreme. Covered by the same ticket, this is one of the largest and finest churches in Göreme. The 10th-century ‘old’ chapel and the later ‘new’ church boast frescoes that narrate the life of Christ. The underground chapel adds to the church’s grandeur, making it a fitting end to your visit.

Visitor Information

• Opening Hours: The ticket office closes at 4:30 PM from October to April.
• Photography: Not allowed inside any of the churches to preserve the frescoes.

The Göreme Open-Air Museum is not just a collection of ancient structures; it’s a journey through the spiritual and artistic legacy of Byzantine Cappadocia.

Explore Cappadocia with Our Guided Tours

We offer meticulously curated tours to the Göreme Open-Air Museum, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this historical and cultural treasure. Our expert guides will provide you with detailed insights into each site, enriching your experience with fascinating stories and historical context. We highly recommend reviewing our tour options on our website to find the perfect itinerary that suits your interests and schedule. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Cappadocia’s rich Byzantine heritage.