This church is at the right hand side of the path leading to the centre in Goreme Open air Museum. The original entrance was up from the valley but it is not available now. The existing narrow corridor is rather recent.
Elmali church is a typical central domed church with four columns, built on a cross plan with its large and small apses. The name is given by the local people, referring to the once existing orchard nearby.
The aristocrat art of the Karanlik and Carikli churches is seen in this church, too. It is quite obvious that these three churches were painted by the artists of the same school. The design of the frescoes and selection of the ornaments indicates the high quality of art. The postures of the figures are adapted to the background they are painted on. The frescoes inside the church are based on the following themes: The Baptism, Raising of the Dead, Angels at the Tomb, Last Supper, Journey to Bethlehem, Transfiguration, Ascension, and Betrayal. Head portrait of Christ is painted on the central dome. Inside the small domes are the angels. The four evangelists (John, Matthews, Mark and Luke) are painted just above the columns, inside the circles. On the arches the prophets are seen standing, each holding an inscription (Jonas, Moses, Daniel, Elias, David, Sabakkuk and Ambakon). Just above the entrance is the Nativity, of which only some parts are visible.
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