Zelve Open-Air Museum
- Open Air Museum
One of the most impressive open-air museums in Cappadocia, Zelve Open-Air Museum stands as a testament to thousands of years of history and natural beauty. Located 5 km from Avanos and only 1 km from Paşabağ, this unique site was once home to Christian an
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Zelve Open-Air Museum: The Historical and Natural Heritage of Cappadocia
One of the most impressive open-air museums in Cappadocia, Zelve Open-Air Museum stands as a testament to thousands of years of history and natural beauty. Located 5 km from Avanos and only 1 km from Paşabağ, this unique site was once home to Christian and Muslim communities who lived together for centuries.
With rock-carved churches, monasteries, mosques, tunnels, residential structures, a village square, and traditional production areas, Zelve provides insight into the rich cultural life of its past inhabitants. However, due to erosion and landslides, many structures continue to deteriorate, struggling against the passage of time.
Zelve consists of three different valleys. In the First Valley, visitors can find Üzümlü (Grapevine) and Balıklı (Fish) Churches, a mill (Seten), and a winery. The Second Valley houses the Church of the Holy Cross, which is connected to the Third Valley by a long tunnel. The Third Valley features a monastic complex, a rock-carved mosque, and Direkli Church, making it one of the most remarkable areas to explore.
Must-See Places in Zelve Open-Air Museum
1. Seten (Ancient Grinding Mill)
Located in the First Valley, Seten is a traditional stone grinding system once used for making bulgur wheat. Farmers would boil and dry wheat, then pass it through Seten to separate the husk. This mill is an important reminder of
