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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Really a walking town area. Terrain was easy to walk and the sights to see are plentiful. Red Valley walk was great too..
I was on the way to Zelve Open-Air Museum and came upon Pasabag which blew me away with such lovely examples of fairy chimneys. There were a lot of coaches but it didn't seem crowded and you can wander around taking photo's and going in all the caves for free.
A rambling hillside collection of 8-12th(?) C churches hewn into soft rock. From the ostentatious to the humble and including sleeping chambers and dining halls, this site is very nearly enough to convert the most hardened athiest! The ornate frescoes can use the assistance of a good guide to tell you who is who and describe the symbolism, but even…
Well worth the extra 8TL to go into the 'Dark Church'. Also worth arriving at the museum early if you can so you avoid the tour groups. The cave churches are tiny and best seen if there are just a few of you.
We love Istanbul with its buzz, museums, etc, however nothing beats amazing natural scenery. It makes one reflective and appreciative. The open air museum gives one the opportunity to relax as one navigates through the nooks and corners. We have an excellent guide in Ilharmi from Insight Vacations, who spares nothing to ensure we understand the history and background of…
This is a 2-3 hour easy walk through Ihlara Canyon. It was a nice break from the Underground Cities and Cave Monasteries that we had been visiting.
I loved the many different wild flowers, and the trees beside the river provided a nice shade from the afternoon heat. Remember to bring water though.
This was my 4th time in this museum. During first visit 13 years ago, there were no restrictions and you could go into every house. It was really fantastic to pass through the holes in between the rooms and discover new rooms etc. Now it is more "hygenic" and secure but still fascinating.
Its a place like none other. The rock formations from volcanic activity in the region is spellbinding. Take a guided tour (or with an audio tour). Getting a World Heritage Site is no small feat and a well deserved one.
I could not believe in that people lived in that city for months in the old. they had tought everything without any technology but perfect. but this one is smaller than Derinkuyu underground city but this city has everything same with the other one, and I Recommend everyone.
If you only see one rupestral site in Cappadocia, make it this one. A concentration of fascinating landscape and rock-cut caves with beautiful — tho worn — frescos.