Rock Churches and Viewpoints in Göreme
What there is to see
Göreme lies within a UNESCO mixed site, so the sights are mostly carved rock. The list below goes from the churches, which carry the history, to the open viewpoints, which carry the scenery.
Inside the Open-Air Museum
Six names to know among the museum’s rock-cut churches: Tokalı, Elmalı, Yılanlı, Karanlık, Çarıklı and St Barbara. Tokalı is a little outside the museum gate. The museum is about 1.5 km from the village. Daily hours are 08:00 to 17:45, with the ticket office closing at 17:15, and a night session from 18:00 to 23:00 closes its office at 22:30. Foreign-visitor prices are quoted by guides at about EUR 20, so check on arrival. The ministry page carries the hours.
Karanlık Kilise, the Dark Church
It has its own ticket, around EUR 6 according to guides, and passes are described differently by different sources, so ask what yours includes. Inside, a single small window lets in light, which is what protects the frescoes.
Outside the museum
- Uçhisar Castle: a rock outcrop with rooms cut into it, about 5 km from Göreme. Separate ticket at roughly 400 TL per guides, and a Museum Pass is reported not to cover it.
- Paşabağ (Monks Valley): double and triple-headed fairy chimneys.
- Zelve Open-Air Museum: an abandoned cave village in the Avanos area. Own ticket, about EUR 12 to 15. Guides report 08:00 to 17:00 from 31 October to 31 March and 08:00 to 19:00 in summer.
- Devrent Valley: animal-like fairy chimneys near Ürgüp.
- Love Valley: viewpoints over rock pillars, free to walk.
Order of play
Churches in the morning, when you are fresh. Castle and Paşabağ later in the day. Keep Zelve and Devrent for a northern outing with Avanos, since both are away from Göreme.
Planning the visit
Check the season before you go, because opening hours change between winter and summer at some sites. Carry some lira for small payments, and ask whether any ticket on your list is already covered by a pass you hold. Allow more time than you expect at the churches, where interiors are dim and steps are uneven.
Rules that protect the sites
Flash is banned in the painted churches and the frescoes are not to be touched. Fairy chimneys and dovecotes are not for climbing or entering. Tuff is brittle.
Prices are in Turkish lira, though guides often use euros. You can look up guided sightseeing on GetYourGuide , and the UK advice for Turkey gives current guidance.
Read more: Attraction tours and Walking tours . The 3 day Cappadocia itinerary places these in a schedule.