Göreme Open-Air Museum in Cappadocia

Göreme Open-Air Museum is a complex of rock-cut churches and monastic buildings about 1.5 kilometres from Göreme village. It began as a refuge for early Christians in the 4th century and by the 9th century the area contained hundreds of churches. Open to visitors since 1984 and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, it preserves Byzantine arches, columns, capitals and Cappadocian frescoes. Notable monuments include the Dark Church, Saint Barbara Church and the Sandal Church, along with cells, refectories, kitchens and storerooms that illustrate monastic life.

Around twenty rock churches stand within the museum, though only about ten are generally open. Near Saint Basil’s Church a ravine separates the path from old dovecotes, reminders that Cappadocians raised pigeons for fertiliser. Many accessible rooms are simple one-room caves once used for everyday monastic work and living.