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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You have to make this climb at sunset for a fabulous overview of Cappadocia and an introduction to Turkish life. We were surrounded by friendly young Turks who wanted to practice their English and share their snacks. We took pictures of them and they took pictures of us. Wonderful experience.
Pigeon Valley can be a little difficult to navigate depending on what route you take. It seems as though all trails more or less lead to the same place, but not all are equally easy to walk. Midway, it seems to split into an upper and lower route. You may want to take the lower route for an easier path….
This area has an amazing landscape and history, condensed into an easy to access site in the Open-air museum. It has a reputation now of being overcrowded with tour groups – we went at lunchtime on a saturday and found it fine, didn't have to queue to see anything although it was fairly busy. Unfortunately a few of the sites…
We visited this area by car and this was a perfect choice. Using a guide we visited all most interesting places and were independant from typical tourist groups. We also used one of cave hotels, and our room had even a bathroom and kitchen! People here are very nice, and nature even better. I have visited many places in the…
It is really worth the effort!
We did it on our own as we were solo independent traveller… beautiful.. we simply loevd it.. Entrance fee is 25TL… you can easily walk from Goreme town centre to this site.. if you fit!!
Amazing cappadoccia. We stayed in a cave hotel – super!
And travelling around and seeing the sights,could hardly believe that towns, roads, stables had all been built underground.
Its certainly worth the travel.
Dervent Valley is different from others in the areas, because it does not have the rock churches that are in abundance in places like Ihlara valley.
Instead it is more famous for the land which resembles a lunar landscape. Situated a short drive from Goreme, the valley still has the characteristics of the fairies chimneys and combined with the rocks of the lunar landscape that do actually look like animals, it provides a wonderful backdrop for the perfect holiday picture.
I went here with a small tour group – and we were certainly not alone. Despite the crowds, we got through, saw all the sites, and had a pleasant hour or so to look around. Well worth the time spent here.
Beautiful landscape. Great place to take photos.You can see some of the pigeon houses for which the valley is named.
I can almost guarantee you'll be totally blown away by this! Let you mind float free and see whatever you want to in the rock formations- people, camels, wrestlers…. Marvel at the churches set in the caves and the freshness of the murals. Just sit and look and wonder as the material world retreats and you revel in the beauty…