Göreme Open Air Museum, Open-air museum in Göreme, Turkey
The Göreme Open Air Museum is a complex of rock-cut churches and chapels in the town of Göreme, in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. The buildings are carved directly into soft volcanic rock and decorated with early Christian wall paintings.
From the 4th century onward, Christian monks settled in the rocks of Göreme and built a monastic community that lasted until the 13th century. The site was designated a museum in the 1960s and later listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The site has uneven paths and some steep sections, so sturdy footwear is a good idea. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon helps avoid the strongest heat and makes for a quieter experience.
The Dark Church (Karanlık Kilise) got its name from the near-total absence of daylight inside, which helped keep its wall painting colors vivid over the centuries. Other churches with more light exposure show noticeably faded images by comparison.
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