It´s okay, but a little bit expensive. Also you have to pay extra for the most beautiful church ... maybe better to just look around outside of the open air museum.

Very interesting site to visit. I imagine a guide would add to the visit. We used the audio guide which gave us some impression of the history. Worth a visit, maybe tricky for those with mobility issues and expensive when you factor in an additional fee to visit the dark church.

It's truly an amazing place, especially for religion... I learned so much about Christianity and a lot of it was new to me.

It is very detailed but some pictures were deleted this is very sad. Do you understand why you did this but everything was beautiful

Very nice to go around and visit all the churches and houses in the open air museum. Being open air there are some stairs to go up so it might be a bit difficult with very young children/strollers.

Our journey through Cappadocia led us to the Göreme Open Air Museum, one of the region’s most remarkable historical sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This incredible complex isn’t just a collection of ancient structures; it’s a living testament to the faith and artistry of early Christian communities. Carved into the soft volcanic rock that defines Cappadocia’s landscape, the museum’s rock-cut churches, monasteries, and dwellings date back to the Byzantine era. As we explored these ancient sanctuaries, it felt like stepping into a different time, where the past was very much alive. The history of the Göreme Open Air Museum is deeply intertwined with the spread of Christianity in Cappadocia. Early Christians, fleeing Roman persecution, sought refuge in these caves, eventually transforming them into elaborate monastic communities. By the 9th century, the area had become an important religious center, with a flourishing monastic life that led to the creation of numerous rock-hewn churches and monasteries. Each structure we visited bore witness to the resilience and ingenuity of these early Christians, who carved their sanctuaries into the rugged landscape to practice their faith in peace. One of the most striking aspects of the Göreme Open Air Museum is the stunning frescoes that adorn many of the churches. Painted with natural pigments, these vibrant murals depict scenes from the Bible, the lives of saints, and the Passion of Christ. Despite the passage of centuries, the frescoes have retained their vivid colors and intricate details. The Dark Church, or Karanlık Kilise, stood out for its well-preserved frescoes, which are some of the finest examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia. We marveled at the skill and devotion that went into creating these beautiful works of art, which offer a glimpse into the spiritual life of the early Christian communities. As we wandered through the museum, each church we entered had its own unique charm and historical significance. The Apple Church, with its domed ceiling and frescoes of the Twelve Apostles, and the Snake Church, known for its depiction of St. George slaying the dragon, were particularly memorable. Walking through the narrow passageways that connect these sacred spaces, we were constantly reminded of the deep spiritual significance of the site. The Göreme Open Air Museum also includes several monasteries, complete with communal dining halls, kitchens, and living quarters, offering insight into the daily lives of the monks who lived in seclusion, dedicating themselves to prayer and study. Our visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum was a profound experience that left a lasting impression. It offered a window into the past and our own deep connection to the region’s rich Christian heritage. For anyone visiting Cappadocia, the Göreme Open Air Museum is an absolute must-see, not just for its historical importance but for the spiritual journey it offers. As we left the museum and gazed out over the surreal landscape of Cappadocia, we carried with us a deep sense of awe and respect for the people who once called this remarkable place their home.

Göreme Open Air Museum is a significant historical and cultural site located in the Cappadocia region of Turkey and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This open-air museum is famous for its rock-cut churches, monasteries, and chapels from the Byzantine era. Built between the 10th and 12th centuries, these structures are notable for their well-preserved frescoes. Göreme Open Air Museum is a fascinating destination for visitors interested in exploring the religious and artistic heritage of Cappadocia. Visited by thousands of tourists each year, this site sheds light on the region's history and cultural richness.

We did a guided tour around here and was well worth the money. Gave us some excellent insights into the workings of the churches and history involved in the place. The views are great and the history fascinating. We picked up a tour guide at the gate, Mustafa. He was lovely and very knowledgable

Tickets for the Göreme open air museum are €20. For this you get to see some wonderful ancient churches with incredible frescoes. But there aren’t that many churches to visit, lots are shut off (or were when we visited), and the cost doesn’t include the most dramatic church of all, the Dark Church. I think it’s really irritating that the authorities can’t give you a blanket price which includes all the churches on the visit rather than just some and then charge you an extra €6 to visit the best exhibit.

Göreme Open Air Museum is a very beautiful place with truly enchanting scenery and numerous churches inside. It's a must-see for everyone visiting Cappadocia

We did not have a tour guide for this attraction and that would have made it better. It seems almost impossible to have a personal guide for just this attraction. The model in Cappadocia seems to be the “rent a guide and bus for the whole day”. The site is fascinating and the history here is incredible. We tried to use the audio guide app on our phones but the signal in the valley is poor and inside the caves it is non existent so then the audio tracks cannot be downloaded and played. We did not see a “download for offline use” option. Would not recommend relying on the audio guide to explain what you are seeing. The dark church is definitely worth a visit. Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat. Also visit the Tokali church which is included in your ticket but is outside the museum area.

If you like wandering up hills in sweltering heat to climb up ladders to then duck into lowly lit rooms with scratched out wall art this is for you. With a few of these caverns under my belt I basically found a shady spot and waited for my tour group to finish looking about.

Visiting the Göreme Open-Air Museum was an unforgettable experience. As soon as I arrived, I was captivated by the stunning landscape of Cappadocia, with its unique rock formations and cave dwellings. The museum itself is an incredible collection of rock-cut churches and monasteries, many adorned with beautiful frescoes that have stood the test of time.

Very expensive entry fee of 21 euros, child tickets are free but only for 6 and under. This is more than a 100% increase from the year before which is shocking and well above the rate of inflation even in Turkey. What happened to the money? The cave churches are beautiful and unique but the site is so busy and expensive it kind of ruins it. The icons have been defaced unfortunately. Had a better time exploring the surroundings although they were strewn with litter. I am surprised because this is a unesco world heritage site and I would have thought more should be done to improve this litter problem to maintain this status. There is a good pedestrian footpath from goreme along the road and is an easy walk even for children. The food prices immediately next to the museum were reasonably priced and comparatively cheaper than goreme town centre.

A lot of areas to go into and check out. So many frescos in various buildings. I love the Dark Church the best but the cave with the dining area was cool. There is a church just before you hit all the shops when leaving. Check this one out as it too has beautiful frescos (additional fee to go in like the Dark Church)