Zelve

Zelve is an archaeological and historical site in Cappadocia, central Turkey. Located in Nevşehir Province near Avanos and Göreme, the Zelve Valley contains a large complex of cave dwellings, churches, and monasteries carved into soft volcanic tufa rock. The area features multiple interconnected valleys and is often described as an open-air museum of rock-cut architecture.

History and use: The site has been inhabited since at least the early medieval period, with a community that used the cave network for living, worship, and storage. Over the centuries, the settlement gradually declined, yet the caves remained in use for some time. In the mid-20th century, significant rockfalls and instability led to the evacuation of the village in 1952. It was later preserved as an open-air museum to illustrate Cappadocia’s traditional cave-dwelling heritage.

Architecture and features: Zelve showcases hundreds of rooms carved from the rock, including dwellings, kitchens, dovecotes, and numerous churches. Several chapels contain frescoes dating from the 9th to the 11th centuries, reflecting Byzantine Christian influence. The site is commonly divided into Eski Zelve (Old Zelve) and Yeni Zelve (New Zelve), with the Old area more affected by safety concerns and partially closed to visitors.

Visiting and significance: As a major tourist destination within Cappadocia, Zelve illustrates the region’s distinctive rock-cut architecture and monastic history. Visitors can walk through the valleys to observe the way communities adapted to the landscape, though some areas are restricted due to rock instability. The site complements nearby attractions in the broader Cappadociа cultural landscape.