Cappadocia is a unique and breathtaking region in central Turkey that is known for its stunning natural landscapes, ancient history, and traditional culture. Cappadocia can be also considered as a region of open air museum. For visitors who are interested in learning more about the rich history and culture of the region, there are several must-see museums in Cappadocia. Here are some of the best museums to visit in the region.
Best Museums in Cappadocia
There are variety of great museums in Cappadocia. The Goreme National Park has been added to UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 1985 and hosts the famous open air museum in Cappadocia. As for open air museums in Cappadocia, the Goreme Open Air Museum and the Zelve Valley Open Air Museum are must see ones in Cappadocia.
There are also great private museums that you won’t want to miss on your Cappadocia holidays. They include; the Guray Museum of Ceramics and Pottery, Chez Galip Hair Museum and Cappadocia Museum of Art and History.
Cappadocia offers a wealth of unique and fascinating museums for visitors to enjoy. By exploring these must-see museums, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of this stunning region and gain a deeper appreciation for its unique beauty and traditions.
Goreme Open Air Museum in Goreme
This unique museum is located in the town of Goreme and features several rock-cut churches and monasteries that are decorated with stunning frescoes and religious artifacts. The museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides an insightful look into the rich religious and cultural history of the region.
Goreme Open Air Museum is a rocky settlement area that has hosted an extreme monastery life between 4th to 13th centuries D.C. that travellers may experience and enjoy some well preserved, rock-cut churches with frescoes and paintings dating from as early as the 10th century and the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia. The region forms a valley including churches, chapels, dining halls and sitting rooms at the rock-cut blocks.
Read more and Book Goreme Open Air Museum
Zelve Valley Open Air Museum between Avanos and Goreme
This outdoor museum is located in the Zelve Valley and features unique rock-cut dwellings and churches that date back to the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Visitors can explore the unique architecture and learn about the history and culture of the region.
In Zelve Valley Open Air Museum, travelers may experience sharp pointed and wide fairy chimneys. The area has been one of the most important residential and worship places for Christianity between the 8th and 13th centuries.
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Guray Museum of Ceramics and Pottery in Avanos
This is a private underground museum of ceramic and pottery located in Avanos. This unique museum is home to a collection of traditional pottery and ceramics that have been crafted by the Guray family for generations.
You will find a huge ceramic art work and pottery, world-renowned contemporary and traditional ceramic artists’s works, fine arts such as drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics and photography are exhibited at the museum.
Visitors can also learn about the traditional techniques used in the pottery-making process and admire the unique craftsmanship of the region. There are also workshops where visitors can try their hand at making their own pottery.
- Address: Yeni Mahalle Dereyamanli Str. No:44 50500 Avanos, Cappadocia
- Tel: +90 384 511 23 74
Chez Galip Hair Museum in Avanos
This is a private museum located in Avanos. One of the most interesting museums in the world, more than 16,000 women hair samples are exhibited at the museum.
This quirky and offbeat museum features a collection of hair samples from women all over the world. All parts of the museums are covered with locks of hair from women with their addresses on the papers hold on the hair locks. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of hair and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the museum.
- Address: Yukari dist., No: 24, Str 100, Avanos, Cappadocia
- Tel: +90 384 511 42 40
Urgup Museum
The Urgup Museum is located in the center of Urgup and is housed in a beautiful 19th-century mansion that was once used as a government building, where both archaeological and ethnographic works are exhibited. The museum’s exhibits cover various aspects of Cappadocian history and culture, including traditional costumes, religious artifacts, and ancient tools and weapons.
Here you can experience and enjoy various fossils and ceramics from the Roman and Byzantine Periods, medals from the Ottoman Period, and ceramics, metal and glass works from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine Periods.
One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of ancient Hittite artifacts, including ceramics, sculptures, and other artifacts. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of the Hittites, who were one of the major civilizations that once inhabited the region.
The museum also features a collection of traditional Cappadocian handicrafts, including textiles, ceramics, and metalwork. Visitors can learn about the techniques used in the production of these handicrafts and admire the unique craftsmanship of the region.
In addition to the exhibits, the museum also hosts various cultural events and activities, including traditional music and dance performances, art exhibits, and workshops.
Cappadocia Museum of Art and History – Doll Museum– in Mustafapasa, Urgup
This is a private museum located in Mustafapasa village and housed housed in a beautiful 150 years old mansion and features a wide range of exhibits that cover various aspects of Cappadocian history and culture.
More than 2000 pieces of hand made dolls from Turkey and all over the world in their unique costumes, the wall paintings of Kostas Meletiyadis, the mansion’s historical star windows, yards, rooms, doors and accessories can be admired at the museum.
One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of traditional textiles, including kilims, carpets, and other woven items. Visitors can learn about the techniques used in the production of these textiles and admire the intricate designs and patterns that reflect the region’s unique culture.
The museum also features a collection of traditional ceramics and pottery, including examples from various periods of Cappadocian history. Visitors can learn about the techniques used in the production of these ceramics and appreciate the unique styles and designs that reflect the region’s artistic heritage.
In addition to the textiles and ceramics, the museum also features exhibits on traditional costumes, musical instruments, and religious artifacts. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and religious traditions of the region and appreciate the unique beauty of Cappadocia’s artistic heritage.
- Address: Yukari dist. Gazi Str. No: 6 Mustafapasa, Urgup, Cappadocia
- Tel: +90 384 353 52 21