EN  

ZELVE ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE

ZELVE ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE

The history of Zelve being the most intense fairy chimney area in Cappadocia dates back to 9th century. Until the 13th century, this region was the center of Christian residents and monasteries of monks searching for a calm life.

Fairy chimneys on the valley are sharp and wide. ‘Direkli Kilise’ located on the hillside belongs to the early years of monastery life in Zelve. Relief crosses used on church ornaments are related to iconoclastic period. Balıklı, Üzümlü and Geyikli churches dated back to pre-iconoclastic period are other churches on the valley worth to see.

On the valley inhabited until 1952, there are other residence places, tunnels linking two valleys, a mill, a mosque and pigeonries besides monastery and churches.

Derinev | Corporate Internet Consultancy