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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Fantastic caves, chapels, and monastic cells! The paintings and frescoes in the caves are amazing. My wife and I found these to be more stirring and remarkable than some of the frescoes and mosaics in the big churches in Istanbul. We were also moved as we considered the simple, humble lives of the monks and nuns who lived in this…
For anyone who enjoys World Heritage Listed wonders this is a must. What a glorious use of the local geology to support religious life and practice. Easy to walk to from Goreme and lots to see and experience. The only downer on the day we went was loads of other tourists. This meant it was not easy to get into…
We visited the museum with our 3 boys (ages 8, 4 and 4) and had a good time. The museum is easily accessed by foot (1.1 km) or by taxi (10 TL). The signage is excellent and we found no need for a guide. The views from the top of the hill are excellent.
That's not a castle, that's just the best place to get an awesome view of the whole Cappadocia at sunset. Bring your camera with you and enjoy a 360° view!
This is an excellent hike that takes you from Goreme to Uchisar — several hours. You climb up cliffs and down into valleys so you get a variety of terrains. The hike is rigorous but not too demanding and you can turn around any time and retrace your steps.
Great walk from town on a sunny winter day! The museum itself was great and the audio guide was more than sufficient – absolutely no need to do this on a tour. Don't skip out on the "buckle" church that is actually outside the compound and down the hill a bit. And, make sure to spend the extra 8TL on…
We spent five days in Cappadocia for our honeymoon, and I have to say I liked the Ihlara Valley the best out of all the places we visited. It was just really beautiful. I wish to have seen more of it, however I was happy with what I was able to see :).
Take at least three days if you can. The highlight was an early morning balloon ride. Not sure there is anything like it elsewhere.
joins the world's most beautiful natural tourism park. natural landscapes and natural culture worth living.
We walked all the way there but seeing the crowds and the 15 Lira entry fee, we decided to skip it and instead walked around nearby…along the road and then further into the country-side along a trail. Spectacular views and even was greeted by a farmer along the way who offered us some grapes from his farm. So… while we…