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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Interesting to look at the accommodations that the Christians have managed to live in and survive the pursue from the Turks.
I went on a 2.5 hour guided walk with one of our hotel receptionists. Mehmet from Flintstones Cave Hotel. What a great recommendation by him and his knowledge and English language was superb throughout our trip. Had a lovely afternoon walk with pick up and drop off by our hotel mini bus, and the walk itself was not too onerous…
We saw Selime Monastery it was very nice. Great view from there. Well preserved.
Natural geographic valley with the famous "fairy" chimneys that are so unique & just beautiful + the wonderful early Christian churchs & homes are definitely a must see. Go early if you can before the tour buses & crowds. Fairly easy walking but entrance to some of the caves, requires many steep steps.
Great place to see the early Christian churches, homes and how they lived.
We took a full-day tour which starts and ends at the top of Pigeon Valley. The views over Göreme are magnificent. Lots of souvenir stalls. We heard from others that the walk down the velley from Uçhisar to Göreme is relatively easy and gets you away from the hustle and bustle of our tours. We didn't have time to do…
Not so much a castle as a massive rock chimney that rises above the village of Uchisar. The main reason to visit here is to get a glorious view of the Cappadocia region. Best time to visit is late in the afternoon (or catch sunset) when the light is best.
Several churches, hidden inside caves, built by early Christians escaping persecution. Many are well preserved. The museum store has some unique Turkey souvenirs and is worth visiting. Allow yourself at least two hours.
The Open Air museum is a great opportunity to see some ancient caves within walking distance of Goreme town centre. The whole area is of course covered in caves but here the highlights are the religious wall paintings and murals which really enhance the atmosphere.
The best of the paintings are in the Dark Church which you have to pay…
It's an amazing place. Great to visit. Easy to find. Nice pictures. Hard to believe people lived there. We definitely recommend this.