Zelve Open-Air Museum
Zelve Açık Hava Müzesi
A deserted cave village spread across three interconnected valleys. Residents relocated in 1952 as the rock began to collapse, and visitors can explore cave houses, churches and mills on foot.
Zelve is one of Cappadocia's largest rock-cut settlements. It was a center of Christian monastic life from the 9th to the 13th century. Greek and Muslim residents lived there until 1952, when the entire village was relocated because of the risk of erosion and collapse. It left behind honeycomb-like cave houses, rock-carved churches, a mosque, mills and tunnels. Compared with the Göreme Open-Air Museum, it has more of an adventurous feel and fewer people. The walk takes about 1.5-2 hours, and some caves require climbing. Admission is about €10-15 (priced in lira). The ticket includes the neighboring Paşabağ and is covered by the museum pass. Open about 08:00-17:00, with extended hours in summer. Red Tours often combine Zelve with Paşabağ and Devrent Valley, and a taxi from Göreme takes about 15 minutes. There is no shade in summer, so bring water and sun protection.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–17:00 (extended hours in summer)
Nearby sights
- Paşabağ (Monks Valley)
- Rose Valley / Red Valley
- Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley)
- Çavuşin
- Göreme Open-Air Museum
- Üç Güzeller (Three Beauties)
- Love Valley (Hot Air Balloon Viewpoint)
- Göreme Town & Cave Hotels