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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
the cappadocia region of turkey is fabulous! we spent much time exploring the goreme open air museum (a must see), the ilhara valley and ozkonok (an underground city). all the places were fabulous if you love ancient history, mosaics and frescoes and the fantabulous. great hiking. and we took a hot air balloon ride (royal balloons) and got a great…
In terms of cost-benefit, this is one of the world's best hikes. Easy to get to, stunning scenery. The best of all the Goreme walks. Get a ride to the trailhead, and enjoy the Red and Rose Valleys.
Interesting dwellings, lovely fresco work, amazing rock formations. Altogether this is unique place on earth.
Again I agree with the positive reviews. It is an easy walk from town and you don't need a guide. It wasn't very busy when we went so that probably added to our enjoyment
I have a problem my ankle so had to be a bit careful as some parts quite steep but breathtaking and very lovely. Paid th extra 8 tl for the church but could not go in as small entrance freaked me out. Family reported back not really worth it but MUST visit church outside open air museum on way back…
Give yourself two hours with the audio guide, visit the church that costs extra, worth the 8TL. Also, it gets very hot in July and crowded so go in the evening at 5pm, closes at 7pm. The caves and cave churches are amazing.
We were here in the off season and it still felt like it was a tight squeeze. Most of the churches and rooms you will see are very small and many require you to go up ladders etc. If there is even one bus group there (and it is likely there will be many more) it really takes away from…
You can get here by the local dolmus from either Urgup or Goreme. No need to take a tour. The site is undergoing some reconstruction and reinforcements so you can't go everywhere, but you can still see quite a bit of these cave dwellings. Definitely worth a stop if you have time.
The pigeon valey was also part of the tour though we did not stay there for more than 15 mins. It seemed more of the same and I think 15 mins was all that it was worth. It is interesting to see.
Hard to get into the individual rooms and churches due to bus loads of tour groups – try ONLY to go at lunch time. Pay the extra to see the Dark Church, which is a masterpiece of restored frescoes and the highlight of the park.