Göreme Historical National Park

Cave dwellings in Göreme Historical National Park

Cappadocia Cave Dwellings

Cappadocia’s landscape, shaped by millions of years of volcanic erosion, hosts a complex network of ancient cave dwellings and rock-cut religious sites. This collection features the Göreme Open Air Museum’s concentrated collection of 10th-century Byzantine churches, the multi-level Zelve cave town, and Uçhisar Castle, the region's highest point. These sites showcase unique troglodyte architecture, from the vibrant frescoes of the Dark Church to the iconic mushroom-capped fairy chimneys of Paşabağları, reflecting centuries of monastic and secular life carved into soft tuff rock.

Cappadocia Cave Dwellings — Map

A

Göreme Open Air Museum

Göreme is a district of the Nevşehir Province in Turkey. After the eruption of Mount Erciyes about 2.6 million years ago, ash and lava…

B

Uçhısar Castle

This castle carved into rock is located at the highest point in Cappadocia. Walk through its rooms and admire the views.

C

Fairy Chimneys

This valley situated between the villages Goreme and Avanos boasts some of the most amazing fairy chimneys that can be found in the region.

D

Zelve Open-Air Museum

This cave town is where Christians and Muslims once lived together. It was abandoned in the 1950s, when life in the caves became too…

E

Devrent Valley

This valley boasts small fairy chimneys that form a lunar landscape. In addition to that, there are rocks that are shaped like animals.

F

Church of the Buckle

The largest church in the Göreme Open Air Museum, featuring a 10th-century Old Church and a larger New Church. It is decorated with extensive Byzantine frescoes depicting the life of Christ and scenes from the life of Saint Basil.

G

Dark Church

An 11th-century monastic church known for its exceptionally well-preserved frescoes. The lack of natural light through its small windows prevented the colors from fading, maintaining vivid depictions of New Testament scenes and the Pantocrator.

H

Apple Church

Built around 1050, this cross-in-square church features four columns and a central dome. Its interior is decorated with 11th-century frescoes of the Last Supper and the Nativity set against a distinct blue background.

I

El Nazar Church

One of the rock-cut churches resembling a cone. It's decorated with Byzantine frescoes.

J

Church of Saint Barbara

This 11th-century cave church is distinguished by its red ochre geometric patterns and symbolic drawings. It also contains frescoes of Saint George and Saint Theodore slaying a dragon, alongside a depiction of Saint Barbara.

K

Church with Sandals

Named for two footprints located beneath a fresco of the Ascension, this rock-cut church dates to the late 12th century. It features a cross-vaulted ceiling and well-preserved depictions of the four Evangelists.

L

Katpatuka Çamur Mağarası

A therapeutic mud bath and spa facility located within a natural cave system. It offers mud treatments and mineral water pools in a traditional subterranean environment.

Other Lists

Cappadocia's Historical Treasures Ancient Churches and Ruins