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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We visited this museum on our own, spending almost a full day. Thursday early morning was quiet and got busier as the day went on, but we didn't find it crowded. We found it both beautiful and facinating and hard to believe that this was earliest Christianity.
You need a guided tour, or you must purchase the audio tour, without which every chapel/church looks like the other. In winter, some of the trails/walkways were too slippery/snowbound to allow thorough exploration.
Also, please note that the entrance fee (15 Lire is the basic fee, add 10 Lire for the audio tour) can be paid only in Turkish Lire…
Serious hikers may not want to hear this, but we rented four wheelers and got to see Rose Valley, as well as a number of incredible and memorable stops. Rose valley is an amazing area where you can see rose colored sands and geological features. Spectacular. Whether you hike, ride a motorcycle or take a quad. Go.
It was definitely hot but we set out around 11AM for a hike and it was amazing. Our guide took us on an off the beaten path and it was the best decision. There were some uphills and some downhills – so make sure you wear good hiking shoes. The weather was less than desirable for a hike so bring…
The national park is beautiful. All the valleys have their own character. The walking is safe and the churches are inspirational. We went in December and went whole days without seeing anyone on our walks!
We arrived late in the afternoon just as the sun was changing the colour of the rock to a soft orange. The photographs from this deserted structure were amazing with some of the caves and the huge exterior beautifully lit.
Just before we climbed the unmarked route, a tourist bus was departing and some told us they considered the area…
Taking the early ballon ride over Cappadocia was the most exciting experience of my life! The rock formations and fairy chimneys and profuse array of colors from the limestone was just magical!!! Our pilot was fantastic and took us way up into the heavens and then down into the valleys where you could reach out and actually touch the rock….
tour guide not necessary, there are arrows in there and fun to explore! not for those with claustrophobia
To dig this out and to be able to move the entire town, produce and livestock in, in times of trouble, is staggering. It is surprisingly spacious and laid out very carefully for all its various uses. Fresh air circulates due to their well placed ventilation shafts and water wells.
Amazing place, there are so many ancient churches carved in the caves and rocks, it is a remarkable sight.