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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Though these caves are interesting to explore and there are wonderful views to be had at the top, we thought the climb both up..
We were on an organized tour and hence rushed along somewhat but all the same we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We walked approximately 8km from Ihlara to Belisirma. You basically just follow the river between the two rock faces, occasionally stopping to admire the many churches carved into the rock and the somewhat older looking frescoes that remain.
Hiking into the valley is not strenous since it is basically all down hill. Our guide made several stops along the way becuase some very interesting formations.
She was quick knowledgeable about the history of the area.
This is a must visit destination in Goreme – though the experience would be influenced by how crowded it was and whether you had someone knowledgable to tell you about the different cave churches. We were lucky in that our visit was not at a really busy time – so while there were quite a few people around we didn't…
Wow its a big underground city…55 m underground 7 floors down. It is amazing how the early christians tried to protect themselves from being killed due to their faith. They have left remarkable history in this area with the frescoes. just too many tourists coming in underground and at times the voices of your guides clash with each other.
this was busy and too crowded to see anything. It is not worth paying for this attraction when you have free and far more exciting caves/views/sight in all other areas of Cappadocia. Do a hike through one of the valleys instead. You'll be free of the crowds and will pass fruit trees (we picked Apricots and mulberries straight from the…
Actually I was expecting more from this museum. Honestly ı was expecting something else. It is far from my understanding of museum but it is beautiful anyway
We walked from the open air museum in Goreme to the rose valley. We followed a rudimentary map from the hotel and saw one map going into the trek.. However this trek was going through caves and climbing ladders and was not a well signed trek. We eventually walked into what we thought was rose valley and found out that…
The Goreme Open-Air Museum is a fascinating area, The ancient rock churches are something quite unique. But the crowds are such that it is difficult to enjoy them. The Dark Church requires a separate admission which discourages the tour groups. The extra payment is definitely worth it. This is the best restored of the churches and it is possible to…
We arranged for a private tour and this was worth it if you like the privacy and want to miss the bus loads. We left quite early. Morning is best as it is less likely to rain and be cloudy. The monastery is certanly magical.