Rose Valley small vineyards are surrounded by steeply eroded walls of tuff. The tuff was deposited in the form of ash by nearby volcanos between 11 and 3 million years ago.
The trails that loop around Rose Valley ( Gulludere Valley ) are easily accessible to all levels of walkers and provide some of the finest fairy-chimney-strewn vistas in Cappadocia. As well as this though, they also hide fabulous, little-visited, rock-cut churches boasting vibrant fresco fragments and intricate carvings hewn into the stone.
With its tufa hills creased into folds, surrounded by vineyards and orchards, and fairy chimneys of all sizes standing like stone minarets in an extraordinary natural landscape, the Rose Valley is a remarkable sight. The valley is dotted with hidden chapels decorated with beautiful frescoes, such as the 7C Church of Three Crosses, which houses a Christ Pantocrator flanked by angels, and the 8C-9C Church of St John, adorned with a portrayal of the Apocalypse.
Follow the signs from the Rose Valley trailhead to the Kolonlu Kilise (Columned Church). The rock facade here is easily overlooked. Take the trail through the orchard and the steps that lead off to the left to clamber onto the nondescript rock face. Once you’ve scrambled through the entrance and the lower chamber you’ll find a white stone nave studded with sturdy columns carved out of the rock. From here, backtrack through the orchard and follow the main trail to the Haçlı Kilise, where the shady cave-cafe at the entrance is the perfect pit stop for a walking break. The church, accessed by a rickety wooden staircase, has frescoes dating to the 9th century on its apse and a large cross carved into its ceiling. Head north from here and take the right-hand path to reach the Üç Haçlı Kilise, with its stunning ceiling relief and damaged frescoes featuring an enthroned Jesus.
One of the nicest and most most beautiful places to go walking in Cappadocia in Rose Valley . Start at Sunset point (near Ortahisar) and hike down through first Red Valley and then continue on the Rose Valley.
From the end of Rose Valley you can either walk to the nearby Cavusin Village. There you can visit the old part of the village which is crumbling away and too dangerous to still be inhabited because of the chance of falling rocks. Or you can continue on the Goreme (around another 45 minutes walk).
Rose Valley,
The landscape apart the trek was really great and visit the cave church on top of the hill….To find a small cafe on top of the hill with a single guy running the show was amazing.
be prepared for lots of hiking and very poorly marked trails but the sites are worth every meter of walking
Beautiful red rocks. Many hiking trails to get beautiful panoramic views. Hot air balloons give a great vantage point if you opt for it.
We were fortunate enough to have a local gentleman accompany us, which was fantastic. Took a couple of hours.
We hiked at the Rose Valley together with the Red Valley. The view is really fantastic. The entrance is around 30 mins from the Open Air Museum. There are lots of naturally colored stones in lovely shapes, caves and churches on the way. There are a few points for taking rest and having drinks/snacks.
Get prepared for the dust during the whole trip. Other than this, the views are very beautiful and impresive.
We explored Rose Valley just before sunset and felt like we were the only ones for miles around. We stumbled across several beautiful caves with intricate frescoes and reliefs. Grapevines are spread throughout the valley, and the many caves hidden in the valley are open to people to explore on their own. We loved..
Super fabulous, you must see it for yourself, clean trails, great cafe at the top with amazing views.
Great hike and plenty of fairy chimneys and rock wall caves to see. It took us about 2-3 hours going at a moderate pace. I liked the Pigeon valley hike better but this one is also worth doing.
This is a beautiful morning walk of about one or two hours. We did it on foot, but we saw folks on horseback riding the through the trail. You get to walk along a lovely ridge that gives you beautiful views of this valley. It is nice to walk it in mid morning when the light is bright enough..