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 main attraction is the underground city which is also part of this museum.
The whole park is just absolutely majestic! The rock formations are stunning and the cave houses carved into the structures are simply amazing. It's like being on Earth and not on Earth – if you know what I mean. Surreal!
The city is full of narrow stone tunnels and steps that go down. It has a long history, apparently going back 4,000 years, includes some period where it was used by Christians.
If you're claustrophobic, have breathing difficulties, or have related allergies then you won't be able to make it here. Also, if you're tall or heavy-set then you'll have…
A bit of a walk through time – see the caves in all states of dis- and re- pair. Though dusty, it is really neat to see where people lived and how they managed. Loved how the men lived on one side and the women on the other but there is a secret tunnel!
Goereme's Open Air Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a favorite of tourists, justifiably. On a relatively small acreage, it contains caves that served as a monastery, at least five cave churches, the monk's dining room with a table out of stone, storage areas and other caves. It is amazing to climb up a narrow wooden staircase that's…
Area has some great vista points. Unfortunately, all the tour buses stop here so expect plenty of company. Mnay tourtist stalls.Toilets available for a fee, but expect the squat down variety. Much garbage present on the ground.
I went on a Sunday; the place was packed, especially with herd-like groups. It was hard to appreciate.
Like thousands of other tourists, our cruise ended in Istanbul.
Plan to stay a few days there and do an overnight to Cappadocia. We were picked up at the airport and taking to our hotel where we were met by our professional guide, Cansu Ozer. He and our driver Mustapha made sure we covered all the must do's the first…
It was simply great to walk around the historical places, especially in such unusual, and incredible nature, to see the dedication, devotion and perseverance of early Christian monks.
OK, maybe I just have a dirty mind, but the Fairy Chimneys here reminded me of something else other than mushrooms.
Having said that, Pasabag is one of the best examples of these unique rock formations and shouldn't be missed.