Zelve Open-Air Museum is an abandoned cave city located in three interconnected valleys, inhabited until 1952 when rock erosion forced residents to leave. Unlike the more crowded Goreme, Zelve offers a quieter, more exploratory experience with hundreds of rock-cut homes, churches, and wine presses. You can climb through tunnels and rooms, discovering ancient Byzantine art on the walls. The complex served as a monastic retreat from the 9th to 13th centuries.
Much cheaper than Goreme Museum (20 EUR). Included in Cappadocia Travel Pass
Visit early morning or late afternoon for best light and fewer crowds. Wear sturdy shoes for climbing through caves.
faq.subtitle Zelve Open-Air Museum
Goreme focuses on Byzantine churches with frescoes, while Zelve showcases a complete cave city where people lived until recently. Zelve is less crowded, more adventurous with free climbing through tunnels, and cheaper (12 vs 20 EUR). Combining both is ideal for understanding Cappadocian cave life
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