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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Baglidere Valley is better known as Love Valley and it is a gentle walk for those who are not looking for strenuous activity. Within the valley are the famous fairy chimneys that the Cappadocia region is famous for.
The valley has a stream that is dry within the high months of summer however at other times; it provides the perfect guide to walk from one end of the valley to the other. This valley is ideal when combined with a trip to the town of Avanos.
This was the entire reason I went to Cappadocia and I was over thrilled with the experience. I had seen reports of the caves on the discovery channel, but nothing compares to actually walking through the tunnels yourself and seeing where families slept and communities cooked and shared meals. This was a must do!
Well worth a visit and better later in the day when the tour buses have left. However at 3.45pm they took our money first THEN told us they were closing early at 4.15 (instead of the advertised 5pm). Beware!
The museum was fine. Lots of caves and churches to see. It would have been nice if there was more information posted. They all felt very similar. It seemed the museum was really pushing the audio tours. There are some signs within the museum listing information about the different caves but it is very specific information not providing much context….
Really enjoyed the opportunity to poke around different caves and explore on our own in addition to have some descriptions available along the way.
It's an authentic cave house and church. Amazing how they dig in and live like that in the past.
Be prepared for a long walk uphill, downhill, and into the lowrise cave wear. Do wear comfortable shoes.
Very organized walkway.
Photos are not allowed in the churches/chapels.
If you are planning to go walking, very steep hill.
This trip is usually included on tours leaving Goreme. It usually crowded and the entrance is controlled. Some places (sometimes long stairs) are made for just one pearson each time.
Do not go if you have any kind of claustrophobic problems.
It is an exciting experience for those that are able to hike around the area. Lots of hidden treasures for the heritage/archaeological/geology minded person…or just a good place to relax and enjoy the view. I didn't care for all the motorized vehicles…destroyed the silence.
Try to visit with a good guide, it will be much more interesting. My husband is 6'7" and was able to get through the caves without difficulty.