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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Travelling in Cappadocia is like opening a Pandoras box. Constantly new views and beaurtiful sceneries to take in and lots of places that are made for smaller or longer walks and hikes.
I really enjoyed Pasabag. It made me realize a little what it made feel to be a Moomin in the Moomin valley.
We walked 2km from our hotel to this open air museum. Great walk and awesome places. You can't take pictures of the churches which sucks but its still great to see. Great place to see for sure.
Go up by your self or in one group trip and then descend looking all natural beauty, pigeon houses, churches and Juice sellers.
Amazing frescoes, lots of history, do not miss this on your trip to Cappadocia.
If you have time, you can take a few days to truly experience this beautiful walk.
The Zelve Open Air Museum is much more built up than neighboring Pasabag and less picturesque. This valley was inhabited until 1952 and it is amazing to think that people lived in these small cave dwellings. We spent about two hours hiking around the site and enjoying the views.
There are many underground cities carved out of soft rock in the Cappadocia region and Derinkuyu (in the town of the same name) is arguably the most extensive.
If you are touring privately, make this your FIRST stop of the day (or perhaps just after a balloon ride) as it gets very busy with tours by mid-morning.
This was a breathtaking experience. Really unusual and easy to get around. Take the time to walk into all the little carved houses. You will not be dissapointed.
As a Christian, the churches in the park shout out the faith we profess! Spine chilling to see well preserved chapels with frescos and paintings from monks who lived here. The Dark Church is well worth the extra TL8.00 – nothing can describe the 'being there'.
Very unique destination. An underground city to imagine how people stayed there in the past. It showed how people at that time thought about all the important things in the past.Well-built city and a must see destination.