Zelve Open Air MuseumPlaces to Visit in Nevsehir

Zelve is located in a village approximately 10 km from Goreme and 7 km from the town of Avanos. Up until 1924, Christians and Muslims lived together peacefully in this region. However, the forced removal of minorities marked the beginning of their departure. This displacement occurred once more in the 1950s due to the threat posed by erosion. The residents moved to a new settlement called Yeni Zelve (also known as Aktepe).

Zelve is an open valley featuring an extensive cave settlement on the northern slopes of Aktepe. It lies about 1 km away from the Pasabag Fairy Chimneys. Although Zelve lacks the extensive frescoes found at other Cappadocian locations, it offers numerous rooms and tunnels, along with many distinct pointed "fairy chimneys" that rise about 40 feet above the valley floor on slender stems.

Between the 9th and 13th centuries, Zelve functioned as a monastery where Christians found shelter during the Persian and Arab invasions. It is home to some of the earliest seminaries established for the training of priests. Among its notable features is the Direkli Church, renowned for its distinctive columns, which dates back to the early days of seminary life.

Situated at the base of the slope, the Direkli Church is decorated primarily with high relief iconoclast crosses and dates to a period before the Iconoclasm era. Visitors can also explore the Balikli Kilise (Fish Church), Üzümlü Kilise (Grapes Church), and Geyikli Kilise (Deer Church), all constructed during the Pre-Iconoclastic period.

In 1967, Zelve was converted into an open-air museum. The valley houses a mill along with several small dwellings, and it consists of two valleys connected by a tunnel. Pigeon nests are also found throughout the area. While the churches at Zelve are fewer and less elaborate compared to those at the renowned Göreme Open Air Museum, the site offers more striking natural landscapes and greater freedom for visitors to explore.

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