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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This open air park makes it very easy to see and experience cave living. Their are fairly well paved paths and the climbing of steps required is not excessive. While it doesn't have the frescos of the Goreme Open Air park and isn't quite as big, there were far fewer people which made the experience very nice.
15 TL the entrance, the only bad thing, maybe a bit overpriced but it's worthwhile the visit. pay attention if u are claustrophobic cos some rooms may scary you. we have been lucky cos we have visited it far from the huge groups of torists, a massive one enetered just after our exit, in this way we have lived it…
huge cathedral never seen like that place view beatifuul of top
Ihlara Valley
If you need a change of pace from the dry, tufa landscape and fairy chimneys of Goreme, head south to the lush, green Ihlara Valley for a day. Past Uchisar, the landscape gets greener, fields of wheat flank the road and sway gently against the backdrop of snowcapped Mt. Hasan on the horizon. The road begins a gradual…
The Dark Church is really worth it.
I would suggest avoiding the crowds to enjoy the place better
This is an amazing heritage site.. Well worth a visit. Paid extra for the audio guide which was good value and enhanced the visit.
Loved the shape & rock formation – breath taking!!
If this is the first stop on your trip to Goreme, you will be amazed at the cave structures. By the end of your trip, you will see so much more that this will pale in comparison to other sites in the area. But, a nice introduction to caves.
After hearing about the narrow passageways, I was a little hesitant in going to this underground city because I am a little claustrophobic. BUT, I was surprised at how open the underground city was!! There were definitely parts (tunnels especially) that were probably around 5ft high that made me a little nervous, but for the most part, the underground city…
LIKE A MASSIVE STONE PENIS!
And so it is on the travellers path… monstrous stone formations that are uncannily familiar with the nether regions of the male anatomy, would become a travel highlight.