Cappadocia is full of churches, underground cities, and many other historic places to visit and see. Yet another of these are its open air museums. Housing numerous churches, chapels, and monasteries, these open air museums leave their visitors in awe. The open air museums to visit in Cappadocia are among the region’s most important treasures.
Göreme Open Air Museum
Also known as the Göreme Ruins, the museum was regarded as a center of learning until the 13th century. This is because Saint Basil, Bishop of Caesarea, came to this area in the 4th century AD and began to spread his knowledge to the people; before long he was training his own students, thus giving rise to monastic life in the valley. Göreme is a rock settlement, and within it churches, chapels, refectories, and living areas were created by carving into the rock. The sections that can be visited at the Göreme Open Air Museum are the Chapel of Saint Basil, the Chapel of Saint Barbara, the Monastery of the Monks and Nuns, the Dark Church, the Tokalı Church, the Çarıklı Church, the Elmalı Church, and the Snake Church.
In these churches you can see the geometric decorations used by the Christians in their earliest years.
Zelve Open Air Museum
It is home to many fairy chimneys with pointed tips and broad bodies, and the churches within the museum add still more to its value. The craftsmanship worked into the houses at the Zelve Open Air Museum is nothing short of a masterpiece. The features of the Fish Church, the Grape Church, and the Deer Church are likewise beautiful enough to be well worth seeing.
The Fish Church and the Grape Church
Belonging to a monastery, the Fish Church and the Grape Church are located in the third valley of Zelve. Unfortunately, their entrance sections have collapsed. The depiction at the entrance of the Virgin Mary seated on a throne with the infant Jesus in her lap is particularly striking, and there are also paintings of the archangels Michael and Gabriel carrying crosses. Research has indicated that the Fish and Grape Churches date from the 10th century.
The Deer Church
The notable features of this church are the relief crosses and deer depictions on its walls. Dating from the Iconoclastic period, the Deer Church is one of the most important churches in the valley.
Göreme Panorama Viewpoint
When it comes to the open air museums to visit in Cappadocia, here a magnificent view awaits that will sweep you off your feet. From this point you can gaze out over the fairy chimneys and the valleys of Göreme. The Göreme Panorama viewpoint begins where the Güvercinlik (Pigeon) Valley ends, on the road to Uçhisar. Its elevation is 3,917 meters. After taking in this magnificent view, you can stay and rest at the MDC Hotel.
