Goreme Open Air Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cappadocia, Turkey. However this is no ordinary museum. Don’t expect to see any old collections of artifacts and relics, and you also won’t see rows of glass covered displays. Instead, you’ll see a fascinating collection of cave dwellings, cave churches and monasteries, each with their own story to tell.

If you want to experience the really timeless history of Turkey, be sure to look for one of our Turkey tour packages that include a visit to Goreme.

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When most people think of a “museum” they immediately visualize vast collections of artifacts, most of which are housed in glass covered displays. In truth, most museums are laid out in such a manner, but certainly not all of them. In fact, some museums don’t really display anything at all. The Goreme Open Air Museum is one such museum, and yet it attracts thousands upon thousands of visitors.

7 Interesting Facts about Goreme Open Air Museum

The Goreme Open Air Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Cappadocia, Turkey. It is famous for its rock-cut cave churches and monasteries dating back to the Byzantine period.
The museum features over 30 rock-cut churches and chapels, with some of them dating back to the 10th century. Many of these churches are adorned with well-preserved frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible.
Goreme Open Air Museum was once a thriving monastic settlement, with monks carving out churches, chapels, and living quarters into the soft volcanic rock formations of Cappadocia.
The museum’s most iconic feature is the Apple Church, which is known for its stunning frescoes of the crucifixion and scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. The Dark Church is another highlight, known for its elaborate frescoes that were protected from sunlight to preserve their vivid colors.
Goreme Open Air Museum is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Cappadocia, drawing visitors from all around the world who come to marvel at its unique rock-cut architecture and religious artworks.
The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of Christianity in Cappadocia, with its churches serving as a testimony to the religious devotion and artistic craftsmanship of Byzantine monks.
In addition to its architectural and historical significance, the Goreme Open Air Museum also offers panoramic views of the stunning Cappadocian landscape, with its fairy chimneys and rock formations creating a surreal and otherworldly backdrop.

What to Expect when you Visit the Goreme Museum

The Goreme Open Air Museum is one such museum, and yet it attracts thousands upon thousands of visitors from all around the world. Visit breathtaking cave church with vibrantly colored frescoes, stroll though a timeless centuries-old monastery, while you enjoy a spectacular journey through Turkey’s timeless Christian history.

Goreme Open Air Museum in Cappadocia, Turkey

Goreme is located in Cappadocia; a region of Turkey which is of great historical significance. One of the key attractions in Cappadocia is an area which has countless naturally formed rocks which have come to be known as fairy chimneys, Monk’s Valley. Goreme is located right in the midst of these chimneys but it’s not only the chimneys that await the adventurous traveler.

Goreme has now become the official tourist hub of Cappadocia, and 1985 the Goreme National Park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was the early Christians who first gained control of the area now known as Goreme, and they certainly made sure nobody would forget, which brings us to the Goreme Open Air Museum.

Nearly all of our Egypt and Turkey tours include some time in Cappadocia, but not all of them feature Goreme Open Air Museum. We can however add it to any one of our itineraries if requested.

A Museum Like No Other

In short, the Goreme Open Air Museum is a collection of ancient churches, but they are a far cry from regular churches. The churches in the Open-Air museum are rock churches that were never built from rocks in the first place. Instead, the churches were physically carved out of existing rock.

No amount of words can truly describe the sight that greets visitors, so it’s hardly surprising that it’s the very first place people visit when they arrive in Goreme. There are so many of these churches carved into the mountain that one could even describe the museum as being a monastic complex.

The Goreme Open Air Museum is also conveniently located, being only a short fifteen minute walk from the main village of Goreme. It’s also home to some of the most impressive rock carved churches in the region, many of which are decorated with absolutely stunning frescos. Interestingly enough, the colors of the frescos are as vivid now as they’ve ever been.

The Goreme Open Air Museum was the second historical site in Turkey to earn a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Studies have also determined that all the churches at the Goreme Open Air Museum were made between the 10th and 12th centuries. One can literally spend days exploring the museum given the number of churches. However, some are without question better than others. The most highly recommended ones are:

Nunnery
St. Barbara Church
Apple Church
Snake Church
Dark Church

The Buckle Church

The Buckle Church is not actually within the grounds of the Goreme Open Air Museum, but it’s only about 50 meters away, and can be visited with the same ticket. This particular church is in itself a complex consisting of four main chambers.

The frescos within the church, along with the tall slender columns and pillars actually make it hard to believe you’re inside a church which has been carved out of solid rock. The church is also considered to have the best fresco images depicting the life of Christ, and once again, the colors have remained beautifully vivid.

Other Not To Be Missed Attractions In The Area

There are many ancient attractions in the area over and above the Goreme Open Air Museum. Among the most highly recommended sites are the Underground City of Kaymakli; and Monk’s Valley. Again, these are only some of the amazing Turkey tourist attractions awaiting visitors to Goreme. How much you actually get to see will really depend on just how time you have.

A visit to the Open-Air Church at Goreme is well and truly one experience you’re never likely to forget. You can book your own exclusive package tour right now by visiting us now here: Egypt and Turkey Tours.

All our tours are designed to incorporate the very best attractions, but not all include a visit to Goreme open Air Museum. However, we’ll be more than happy to create a customized tour based entirely on your own preferences.

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Goreme Open Air Museum – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Goreme Open Air Museum?

The Goreme Open Air Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring rock-cut churches and monasteries dating back to the Byzantine period.

Where is the Museum located?

It’s located in Cappadocia, Turkey, amid the iconic fairy chimneys and breathtaking landscapes.

What can I expect to see at the museum?

Expect to see over 30 rock-cut churches and chapels adorned with ancient frescoes, monastic cells, and panoramic views of the Cappadocian landscape.

How long should I plan to spend at the museum?

To fully appreciate the site, you should plan to spend at least 2-3 hours for exploring the various churches.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes, for a bespoke guided tour that includes your own private guide, driver and vehicle, be sure to check out our epic Turkey tour packages and/or our classic Egypt and Turkey combination tours.

Is photography allowed inside the churches?

Photography rules may vary. Be sure to check at the entrance or with your guide. Generally, to protect the frescoes, flash photography is not allowed inside the churches.

Can I walk to the museum from Goreme village?

Yes, the museum is located about a 15-minute walk from the main village of Goreme.

Are there any nearby attractions worth visiting?

Absolutely! The nearby Underground City of Kaymakli and Monk’s Valley are both well worth visiting.