Goreme Open Air MuseumPlaces to Visit in Nevsehir

In the early Christian era, followers faced persecution by Roman soldiers as the pagan religion was officially endorsed in Rome. Due to this oppression, many Christian groups were compelled to move to safer locations where they could practice their faith without threat.

By the late second century, a significant Christian population settled in Cappadocia seeking refuge. They created monasteries and small churches by carving them into the region's unique rock formations. The Cappadocia and Goreme Open Air Museum is one such surviving site. While it originally housed 34 churches, today only 9 churches remain accessible as part of the museum.

Nunnery & Monastery
Upon entering the monastery, you will observe the initial carvings on both sides of the doorway. The nuns and monks who lived here carved their nunnery and monastery into small, cell-like spaces, all arranged within a shared village setting. Much like a typical home, these complexes contained living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, dining areas, and storage rooms. What sets them apart is that all these spaces were meticulously sculpted by hand directly into solid rock walls.

Saint Basil Chapel
Next to the nunnery lies a monastery dedicated to Saint Basil, the patron saint of Cappadocia, which features the Saint Basil Chapel. Originally constructed in the 4th century, the chapel was restored in the 11th century. Though modest in design, it is one of the significant churches within the Cappadocia museum area. Inside, visitors can admire Orthodox-style frescoes, including images of the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus, St. Theodore, St. Basil, along with two unidentified female saints. The chapel also contains a cemetery where many monks have been buried. <

Apple Church (Elmali Church)

The Apple Church, located within the Goreme Open Air Museum, is designed with a closed cross-shaped plan featuring four columns, three apses, and nine domes. The earliest geometric decorations adorned with crosses date back to the 4th century. In the 11th century, more detailed and complex frescoes were added, many of which have astonishingly remained intact to this day. These artworks portray scenes such as Deesis, Nativity, Adoration of the Magi, Baptism, Raising of Lazarus, Transfiguration, Entry into Jerusalem, Last Supper, Betrayal of Judas, Way of the Cross, Crucifixion, Entombment, Anastasis, Women at the Tomb, Ascension, Hospitality of Abraham, and Three Young Men in the Fiery Furnace.

Saint Barbara Chapel
The Saint Barbara Chapel is considered the most captivating structure in the museum complex, thanks to its distinctive paintings that depict various religious and abstract motifs. The arrangement of these images is somewhat enigmatic, reminiscent of the unusual styles from the iconoclastic periods. The crosses found beside small niches, adorned with triangular decorations, are thought to symbolize Jesus and the Holy Bible. However, the significance of the three triangular-shaped trees and lance heads remains uncertain. It is unclear whether the paintings represent "Deesis" (with Jesus flanked by the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist) or "Transfiguration" (with Jesus between Moses and Elijah). Regardless, the mysterious quality of these artworks only enhances their fascination and allure.

The Snake Church, also known as the Serpent Church, is situated opposite the St. Barbara Church and features a rectangular floor plan dating back to the 11th century. Along the church's left wall, visitors can admire striking frescoes depicting Saint George and Theodore battling dragons, alongside portrayals of Saint Helena and Constantine holding crosses. Additional images include saints such as Onuphrius standing behind palm trees, as well as Saint Thomas and Basil. Although the church is modest in size and remains unfinished, its remarkable paintings make it an essential visit for lovers of sacred art.

Dark Church (Karanlık Kilise)
The Dark Church is considered one of the best-preserved churches in Cappadocia and ranks among the finest in all of Turkey. Its name comes from the limited sunlight that filters in through a small window near the entrance, resulting in a dim interior. This darkness has ironically helped protect the vivid colors of its frescoes, which have remained exceptionally intact for centuries due to minimal exposure to harsh weather like rain or snow. The walls of the church are decorated with numerous scenes from The Bible, including Deesis, Annunciation, Journey to Bethlehem, Nativity, Adoration of the Magi, Baptism, Raising of Lazarus, Transfiguration, Entry into Jerusalem, Last Supper, Betrayal of Judas, Crucifixion, Anastasis, Women at the Tomb, Ascension, the Hospitality of the Prophet Abraham, and Three Young Men in the Fiery Furnace, as well as portraits of various saints.

Carikli Church (Sandals Church)
Carikli Church is a two-level structure that provides a captivating insight into Cappadocia's religious heritage. The lower floor includes a dining hall featuring a magnificent engraving of The Last Supper on the rear wall. The upper floor contains the church itself, dating back to the 13th century. Above the central dome, there is an image of Jesus Pantocrator with his hands raised, surrounded below by the four Evangelists: Matthew, Luke, John, and Mark. The three additional domes depict the archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Uriel. The middle dome illustrates scenes of Jesus' journey to Golgotha and the raising of Lazarus, including the Angel Gabriel. The main apse features a well-preserved Deesis, showing Jesus holding an open book inscribed with "I am the light of the world, who follows me will not be left in misery." Surrounding the altar are depictions of five Christian saints: Blaise, Gregory Nazianus, Basil, Chrysostom, and Hypatios.

The Tokali Church in Cappadocia is renowned as one of the oldest and most stunning churches in the region. It consists of four distinct parts: the old church, a newer chapel, a lower church also known as the cemetery, and storage areas. The frescoes in the old church, dating back to the 10th century, illustrate the complete life story of Jesus in sequential order. This section of the church might have functioned as an educational space, using visual narratives to teach Christian beliefs.

From left to right, progressing panel by panel (three on each side), the paintings depict: the Annunciation, Visitation, Proof of the Virgin, Journey to Bethlehem, Nativity, Adoration of the Magi, Massacre of the Innocents, Flight into Egypt, Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, Killing of Zacharias, Pursuit of Elizabeth, Calling of St. John the Baptist, Preaching of John, John meeting Jesus, Baptism, Marriage at Cana, Miracle of the Wine, Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes, Calling of the Apostles, Healing of the Blind Man, Raising of Lazarus, Entry into Jerusalem, Last Supper, Betrayal, Jesus before Pilate, Way of the Cross, Crucifixion, Descent from the Cross, Entombment, Women at the Tomb, Anastasis, and Ascension.

The New Church, constructed in the late 10th and early 11th century, is unique in Cappadocia for its striking blue frescoes. These vivid hues were created using Lapis Lazuli, a precious stone imported via the Silk Road from Afghanistan. The artwork here portrays scenes from the life of St. Peter alongside various depictions of Jesus rendered in a more contemporary artistic style.

For visitors interested in exploring the Goreme Open Air Museum, we provide private tours tailored for individuals or groups at a cost of 100 Euros per person. This package includes a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, entry tickets to both the museum and the Dark Church, as well as transportation. Additionally, we offer a Highlights of Cappadocia Tour which features a visit to the Goreme Open Air Museum for 175 Euros per person, accompanied by a professional tour guide.

If you have any questions or need further information about the Goreme Open Air Museum, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply message us via Whatsapp, and we will get back to you promptly.