Frescoes in Goreme open air museum

We came to Cappadocia several years ago. It was April and it snowed heavily. When we visited the open air museum it was just raining but very cold so seeing it again today in blazing sunshine was a treat.
The open air museum is a natural valley eroded by the weather which was used by the first monks in the 4c ad. They carved monasteries and churches in the soft rock and lived there. In the 8-9 centuries they painted the walls with geometric patterns then from 10c painted figures on the walls. Finally in the 11c they plastered the walls and covered them with frescoes illustrating bible scenes.
We visited 6 churches covering the different styles. You are not allowed to take any photos inside so these are examples downloaded from the Internet.

St Basil - painted panels including saints George and Theodore who look very similar

Elmali (apple)church - has patches of the 10c geometric painting and many frescoes from 11c

Yilani (snake) church - painted panels

Karanlic (dark) church - walls covered in frescoes on a navy background, fabulous scenes very well preserved

Carikli (sandal) church - similar to dark church but less well preserved

Tokal(buckle) church - the largest and most richly decorated with more detailed frescoes. They are currently being cleaned and restored and it was interesting to watch.

A very rewarding morning despite the huge crowds from all nationalities.Read more