The Turkish region of Cappadocia, a region of exceptional natural wonders, in particular characterized by fairy chimneys and a unique historical and cultural heritage, boasts one of the most dramatic sights in the world.
Visiting Cappadocia is such a change from visiting many other busy bustling sights all over Turkey. It is a great pleasure to wander in the vast open space filled with captivating natural attractions which have seen human history dated back in the Bronze Age.
While in Goreme Open Air Museum , the conical formations resulting from the volcanic eruptions that took place millions of years ago, just follow the path up to the top of one of the ridges where a spectacular view of the fairy chimneys awaits you. The natural cone formations contain caves and labyrinths. As early as the third century, those chimneys became a hiding place for early Christians who fled persecution from the Romans, and then later from raiding Muslims. In modern tourism, many caves have been turned into cave houses for tourist stays and the lunar-like setting of Goreme Valley has become popular for hot-air ballooning.
Many say the extremely unique landscape of Cappadocia resembles some scene in a Star Wars movie and yet you may be surprised to discover that no major commercial movies have been filmed there. It would be a perfect setting for movies such as Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter series.
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I did not enjoy the crowds at the Open Air Museum, nor the staff's curtness. This is an excellent example of tourism gone wrong. There are too many people in each area at one time, and no organization or monitoring. Large tour groups are ruining this historic experience for people who would like to stroll leisurely through the site without…
many houses were closed, you have to pay an xtra fee to see the main church (8Tl) , very slow because of all the groups . The next day webwent to walk around the myseum where there are many houses like those in the museum and it is free you just have to walk and you can go everywhere! Some…
Almost indescribable, this, in beauty and uniqueness and as testament to geological imperatives and human perseverance and persistence.
The organization of life in these cave dwellings, was something remarkable. I do respect the perople were forced to live their lives in caves because of very severe reasons. I could not do it!
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
The tour guide took us to The Open Air Museum even it was raining.It was only 15 minutes walk from Goreme village center It has monasteries ( each one with a church ). Inside the churches you can admire impressive and beautiful frescoes (wall paintings) whose colors still look fresh. It presents examples of rock hewn architecture and fresco technique….
I dont like hiking or walking for hours, so this adventure was a bit tiring for me, It was winter so it was okay, I dont want to imagine hiking in summer! Well, I willl suggest that you take a couple of drinks and some snacks or sweets, in an hour or more theres no place to buy anything, just…
This place has an interesting history with the pigeons and it has an incredible view of caves that people have built into in the valley and on the way up to the castle. It is likely a stop on most tours, seems to be a place where most of the buses stop, so a little crowded and noisy, but worth…
Spectacular 360 degree views of the countryside with a very interesting history, but a little more information on the history and features of the site would have been helpful. Placed close to the very interesting old centre of Uchisar.
A must do walk, definitely not to be missed. Proper walking shoes advisable as there are a couple of slippery bits.