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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Too crowded during our visit in April due to Easter weekend. The tour guides were professional but the visitors were not, i.e., many people were cutting the lines
Otherwise, nice place to pass the time. Make sure to visit the chapels
Don't miss this outstanding underground city. Then pay a visit to Gokhan Antiq Shop. The owner Metin Ince is great. You will find so many things to bring home when you visit his shop.
Each and every cave, cathedral, carved structure was incredible and well preserved. When we visited it was very hot and super crowded. Go early before the big tour buses arrive.
The best way to experience this amazing site is private tours. History of the churches through the architecture and artwork/frescos in the caves.
absolutely fascinating, the unusual shapes of the rocks and the holes depicting the pigeon houses and the series of these rocks forms such a unique terrain
Very impressed with the conservation of the site. A small fee gets you in and the wander can take up to 2+ hours. The church and dining holes were particularly interesting.
supposedly bar scene from Star Wars based on this park. It is away from the crowds, but not out of the way to get here. Worth exploring, very scenic.
It's a fantastically beautiful trail, not to be missed. Plus the cave churches along the trail were as impressive as those in Goreme open air museum
This park though undoubtedly beautiful is absolutely chockablock with tourists …as a result the atmosphere is spoilt. i would recommend just driving 10 minutes ahead and you can have the same scenery in peace and quiet
We went after 4.30pm, but still busy. Expensive and not as interesting as some of the other sites we visited. Very disappointed