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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We had a great guide Omer who painstakingly answered all our questions. The Museum was very crowded but Omer was able to guide through it all very well.
We went during Dec 2009, off peak season, it was very quiet, but you get the feeling of being stuck in time in the wild. It was cold and was windy in the exposed area. The path are sign posted sparsely, but well trodden so you won't get lost too easily. We read there were jaguars in the forest, fortunately…
Construction and usage history is amazing. Had no idea Hittite culture was so advanced. The city had 7 levels, 4 of which have been dug out. Inhabitants were able to remain within cave for up to 5 months with adequate water, air, food, warmth supply.
The place was very well preserved. It was indeed a great Tourist Site.
We originally were reserved to stay at the Double Tree hotel here but changed our minds and stayed at the Aydinli Cave Hotel in Goreme. We are glad we changed hotels but were also glad that our private tour included Avanos. It was interesting to see the craftsmen working at their trade and the jewelry stores we visited.
My first visit to Pasabag was 24 years ago. Years later I still think it's one of the most photogenic places in Cappadocia, together with Selime Monastery.
It's hard to believe that people used to live there. It's a great place to visit. Pictures are amazing. Worth going.
Its a really amazing phenomenon where soft rocks of volcanic origin enabled to build houses, churches, even whole cities underground! Must see!
This is a great place to start in Cappadocia to get an idea of what kinds of cave houses are there and what went on in the different dwellings and rooms. It is in a fairly contained area and easy to access all of the churches and rooms. This was as early monastic colony with many churches carved into the…
This place is very special, so different, so much History and so much about how people lived hundreds of years ago, in amazing mountains made of a volcano ashes, in caves, that are so interesting and chocking.