Open-Air Museums To Visit In Cappadocia

Cappadocia is full of many churches, underground cities, and many other historical places to visit and see. One of them is open-air museums. These open-air museums, which contain many churches, chapels, and monasteries, fascinate visitors. Open-air museums to visit in Cappadocia are the most important value in Cappadocia.

Open-Air Museums To Visit In Cappadocia

Goreme Open Air Museum

The museum, also known as Goreme Ruins, was seen as the center of education until the 13th century. The reason for this is that Saint Basil, the Psychosis of Kayseri, came to this region in the 4th century AD and started a monastic life in the valley when he began to spread his knowledge to people and to raise his own students after a while. Goreme is a rock settlement. Churches, chapels, dining halls, and sitting areas were carved in this settlement. The parts that can be visited in Goreme Open Air Museum are St. Basil Chapel, St. Barbara Chapel, Monks, and Nuns Monastery, Dark Church, Buckle Church, Carıklı Church, Apple Church, and Snake Church.

In the churches in question, geometric ornaments used by Christians in the first years appear.

Open-Air Museums To Visit In Cappadocia: Churches

Dark Church (Karanlık Kilise)

Dark Church gets its name because it receives very little light from a very small window in the Narthex part of the church.
The fact that the church was not illuminated ensured that the frescoes inside did not fade and remained alive.

The church, which is estimated to have been built at the end of the 11th century and the beginning of the 12th century, has also rich decorations. Deesis, Gospel, Journey to Bethlehem, Birth, Adoration of the Magi, Baptism, Resurrection of Lazarus, Transfiguration, Entry to Jerusalem, Last Supper, Betrayal, Prophet.
Jesus on the Cross, St. the Descent of Jesus to Hell, Women at the Empty Tomb, Blessing, and Appointment of the Apostles, Hz. There are some scenes from the Torah, such as the Ascension of Jesus, the Hospitality of the Prophet Abraham, and the Burning of Three Jewish Youths.

Open-Air Museums To Visit In Cappadocia: Zelve Open Air Museum

It is home to many Fairy Chimneys with pointed ends and wide bodies, and also the churches inside the museum add value to this place. The workmanship on the houses in Zelve Open Air Museum is a masterpiece. The features of Fish Church, Grape Church, and Deer Church are also worth seeing.

Zelve Open Air Museum Churches

Fish And Grape Church

Fish and Grape church, which belongs to a monastery, is located in the third valley of Zelve. Unfortunately, the entrance parts of the church were destroyed. The Prophet sitting on the throne at the entrance door, holding the baby Jesus in his arms. The depiction of Mary draws attention, and there are also drawings of Michael and Gabriel carrying the cross. In the researches, it is stated that the Fish and Grape Churches date from the 10th century.

Deer Church

The striking point in the church is the embossed crosses and deer depictions on its walls. Deer Church, which belongs to the iconoclastic period, is one of the most important churches of the valley.

Goreme Panoramic Watching Point

There is a magnificent view that also will take you away from the open-air museums to visit in Cappadocia. You can also watch the Fairy Chimneys and the valleys of Goreme from this point. The Goreme Panorama viewing point starts at the endpoint of Pigeon Valley on Uchisar road. Its height is 3917 meters. After watching this magnificent view, you can also stay and relax at the MDC Hotel.