Apple Church (Elmalı Church)
Apple Church (Elmalı Church) is one of the best-preserved rock-cut churches in the Göreme Open Air Museum. Dating back to the 11th century, it is admired for its elegant architecture and colorful Byzantine frescoes illustrating scenes from the life of Christ.
Key Info
Location Göreme Open Air Museum, Göreme
Duration 10–20 minutes
Entrance Included with the Göreme Open Air Museum ticket
Best Time During museum opening hours
Experience
Inside the church, visitors can admire beautifully restored frescoes covering the walls and central dome. The paintings depict important biblical scenes and showcase the remarkable artistic traditions of the Byzantine period. Despite its relatively compact size, Apple Church is considered one of the museum's architectural and artistic highlights.
Highlights
Well-preserved Byzantine frescoes
Cross-in-square church architecture
Colorful biblical wall paintings
One of the most visited churches in the museum
How to Visit
Apple Church is part of the Göreme Open Air Museum visitor route and can be explored with the museum entrance ticket. Visiting with a guide provides deeper insight into the symbolism, history, and restoration of its remarkable frescoes.

