Zemi Valley is a very scenic valley of Cappadocia with its rock formations; starts between the Museum of Goreme and the Tourist Hotel just outside of Goreme town. When you follow the signs of El Nazar Church, you’ll be right in the spot.
Walking the Zemi Valley
Zemi is one of the quietest valleys around Göreme. The path follows the dry bed of the valley between tall white walls of tuff, with poplars, fruit trees and small vineyards, and in many places you walk through narrow passages where the rock almost meets above your head. It is a good choice in the summer heat, as there is more shade than in most valleys.
Its best-known monument is the El Nazar Church, carved in a fairy chimney in the 10th century, with frescoes of the life of Christ. Further along the valley, hidden in the rocks, there are more chapels and dovecotes for those who like to explore.
Tips for your visit
The walk takes about two to three hours, and some sections are rough and not always well marked, so a guide is a good idea. With your driver waiting at the end, you can combine Zemi with Pigeon Valley and Uçhisar. See our hiking in Cappadocia.
Cappadocia in winter, from the air
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