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,
Hred a dune buggy and went through the valley. The colors throughout the rock strata are very beautiful. After we went to Chavusin and ate in a small taverna on a back road near the cemetery. Fabulous food
This is an easy walk if you have pre-arranged transport to pick you up at the other end. Fascinating to see all the pigeon nesting sites, from which fertiliser is collected to grow the many fruits & vegetables in this otherwise infertile valley.
Cappadocia mainly consists of valleys and historical formation of caves all over the city, which is worth a watch.. We did tour of all the valleys through ATV (squad bike) which was much more fun..
Great landscapes, stunning valley. I strongly recommend this 1h30-2h00 hike in the Rose valley. Do not forget your camera and of course comfortable shoes!
We saw the Rose Valley from our balloon ride. Our pilot was prudent enough to bring us low over the valley so we could see things up close. He gave us a wee explanation of the area as well. It really is not of this planet!
There are many shades where we avaid burning sunshine during Tour and price very reasonable. If you go there in peak season, you could have a chance to go there for free from the hotel.
Seems like your going back in time to when the earth was developing. Caves up above from prehistoric times.One could only dream of what lived here way back when.
Cappadocia is like being on another planet and the rose valley is a great place for wandering around. Hike up on strange rock formations, get broad views of the various valleys and towns, and enjoy the strange landscapes of the region. It's easy to hike round, no entrance fees, and some signs spray painted on rocks to keep you from…
Yes, this valley is beautiful and should not be missed but many reviews are failing to tell you how challenging this can be if you're not 'the outdoors type". First, make sure your shoes have great tread and grip. I was wearing my beloved Keens walkers but these were not great for the almost granite like surfaces in this valley….
The views were spectacular. We took about 4 hours to do this hike with our 2 kids (ages 8 and 9). They loved climbing into the caves. Well worth it. The entry to this trail starts after you pass the Open Air Museum.