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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The Göreme Open Air Museum mostly shows the living areas and churches of former monastries. The churches were carved into the rocks between 10th and 13th century. Most of them have most beautiful and impressive wall and ceiling paintings inside. One has to climb and walk quite a little bit when there.
It is a nice little town that you can have turkish type of breakfast near the river and walk in the neighbourhood of pottery workshops. Every pottery workshop owner is willing to show you how to make it and they let you to try it. It takes you couple of hours to see everything.
surreal landscapes and jaw dropping vistas…there is nothing in the world like this…not to mention how steeped in early shristian history it is. It should be on everyone's bucket list
Along with doing a balloon tour, this is another highlight of visiting Cappadocia. If you don't appreciate history or being able to walk though very old caves and dwellings that were once inhabited by early Christians, then maybe you shouldn't visit this place. Otherwise, it makes for a great educational part of your journey and just walking inside these caves…
This is a fantastic nature park. Lovely river, it is best to walk around leisurely to absorb its beauty.
Very cheeky with the entrance fees, in addition to the 15TL entrance fee you have to pay an extra 8TL if you want to see the Dark Church which is the main feature of the museum. Which is like visiting the Louvre and having to paying extra to see the Mona Lisa! Also very typical of most museums in Turkey,…
The Goreme Open Air Museum is basically a series of cave churches with immaculate religious (Christian) art preserved on the cave walls. These stunning creations of some of the first Christians are truly riveting and are spiritually moving. One who visits Cappadocia must carve out a couple hours for these religious dwellings. The Dark Church costs an extra fee, but…
it is an unmissable spot in Cappadocia: full of underground churches with amazing colored frescos!
history of Christianity has passed here, and history of art as well!
Avanos is a pretty town and worth a walk around. Plenty of places to buy distinctive pottery, some of which is handthrown and handpainted and some of which is cast and stencilled. You can also try your hand at 'throwing' a pot. We all left having bought a variety of pieces, from something small to give friends to lovely feature…
Cappadocia is one of the truly great experiences. Turkey is a welcoming and friendly place and Cappadocia just continues that. The whole area is fantastic and a must visit. Allow minimum 2 days for walking and ballon rides. There are many hotels and camping grounds through out the area and many of the hotels are underground. To drive from Istanbul…