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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History comes alive in the Goreme Open Air Museum.
Here, insights into the history of Turkey, the way the people lived, worshipped can all be seen from the various churches and quarters around.
Most impressionale were the various churches carved out from stone around the area, the paintings of Christ and his disciples, and how they had been defaced following…
long trip and the most amazing geaography that is Cappadocia. I liked every place I visited.ballon was extremly good and one good option is to rent a car or a van and just drive to every valley around goreme there're great restaurants too along the way and i never forget my lovely hotel ''cave suites cappadocia …we'll back istanbul soon
Great sampling of rock-cut churches and chapels. Unfortunately, you cannot take pictures of the frescoes inside the chapels and churches but it was still amazing to see the artistry that went into these works. Don't forget to see the Tokali Kilise which is slightly down the hill from the main entrance to the rest of the museum. You'll know it…
The place is outstanding! It something that must be visited before death! It´s a like a different world!
It's pretty amazing to think that people lived in these cave dwellings right up until modern times. Ensure that you go on a guided tour, it's much more interesting that just walking through on your own
Every now and then we visit very memorable places. Cappadocia was certainly one. One can only marvel at the weird stone formations and what the people from the area did with these stuctures. Their ability to carve out homes and places of worship from the stone can only be admired and looked at in amazement. We made a special point…
Well, not a 5 star experience but it is worth climbing the castle and seeing the view from 50 meters high.
This isn't one of my personal favourite valleys in the area, but it's very nice when combined with the White and Love valleys afterward. Pigeon valley itself is about 2 kms, and a pleasant walk. It's mostly uphill if you go from Goreme to Uchisar (so downhill the other way, obviously). I prefer to hike uphill (easier on the knees),…
Enjoyed the views and the frescos in the rock churches. Best to read up about them so they make more sense. Greek orthadox has a bit different story to the normal one. Extra charges for some rock churches but we only went into the main ones in with ticket.
The castle has spectacular 360 views of capadoccia and all surrounding cities but nothing more to explore. Definitely worth checking out but won't take much time.