Zelve - Paşabağlar Archaeological Sitevisitor guide.

Located 5 km from Avanos and 1 km from Paşabağları, Zelve is established upon the steep northern slopes of Aktepe. Composed of three valleys, the Zelve Archaeological Site represents the area where fairy chimneys cluster in highest density across Cappadocia. This natural wonderland became a vital settlement and religious center for Christians between the 9th and 13th centuries, hosting the earliest monastic seminars held for priests. The valley's most significant churches—Balıklı (Fish), Üzümlü (Grape), and Geyikli (Deer) churches—predate the Iconoclastic Period (728–842). The site also features a chapel dedicated to Saint Simeon alongside numerous rock dwellings. Inhabited until 1952, visitors can explore monasteries, churches, rock-cut houses, tunnels, mills, and a mosque. DOWNLOAD MUSEUM BROCHURE NEARBY MUSEUMS ÇAVUŞİN CHURCH ÖZKONAK UNDERGROUND CITY EL NAZAR CHURCH DARK CHURCH GÖREME ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE KAYMAKLI UNDERGROUND CITY