The Apple (Elmali) Church is one of the most significant and well-preserved churches in Cappadocia, located in the Göreme Open Air Museum. The church dates back to the 11th century and is believed to have been built by monks from the nearby Elmali Monastery. The name “Apple” comes from the large apple-shaped rock on the outside of the church.

The church has a rectangular nave and two side aisles, with a flat ceiling and four columns supporting the arches. The frescoes in the church are well-preserved and depict scenes from the Bible, including the life of Jesus Christ, the Last Judgment, and the Crucifixion. The frescoes were created by an unknown artist and are considered some of the finest examples of Cappadocian art.

The most famous fresco in the Apple Church is the depiction of the Archangel Michael, located on the south wall of the nave. The fresco shows the Archangel Michael holding a sword and weighing the souls of the deceased, with the good souls being guided towards heaven and the bad souls being sent to hell.

Another notable fresco in the church is the depiction of the Virgin Mary, located on the north wall of the nave. The fresco shows the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus, with the Magi approaching to offer gifts. The fresco is thought to have been painted by the same artist who painted the frescoes in the Karanlik (Dark) Church.

Visitors to the Apple Church can marvel at the stunning frescoes and admire the intricate details of the artwork. The church is a must-see for anyone interested in Cappadocian art and history, and is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region.