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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Even though I had some concerns with being underground, I was curious to visit this popular sight. At first, after each short corridor, you step into a large room which was ok. Then corridors got smaller and longer, plus as the corridors are filled with tourists, you are stuck at where you are. It probably triggered panic attack for me,…
It's best to go early in the morning before the tour buses arrive. The headsets are not worth the 5 Lira.
Don't hesitate to visit this nature made fortress if you are anywhere near in Cappadocia… amazing scenery, true paradise for photographers… walk around the city and in fortress… explore – it is truly worth it… We took great hiking tour from Goreme trough Pigeon Valley to Uchisar and it was AMAZING… some 4-5km of walking but it was really great….
This is an easy walk if you have pre-arranged transport to pick you up at the other end. Fascinating to see all the pigeon nesting sites, from which fertiliser is collected to grow the many fruits & vegetables in this otherwise infertile valley.
Uchisar castle has a great view from the top. Other than that, there are so many cool ruins in the area, that the castle is not all that special. But the view is nice and it only costs 5 lira to enter.
The caves/frescos were interesting but it was a little too crowded for our taste.
The whole landscape was something I had never seen before.
The rock formation was enthralling and spectectular.
Inside the caves was a history lesson.
The tour guides were great and very friendly.
Until you tour the cave dwellings you won't understand how complex and commanding they are. Caves provided protection from the environment but also protection from outsiders who might raid.
Tips:
The buses arrive in morning and after lunch. So plan the visit you prefer, accordingly.
Small chapel caves have door men controlling foot traffic. If you are not with a tour, you can let the door men at each cave know and they will let you in without a wait.
The Dark Church is ABSOLUTELY worth the extra fee….
Urgup is a big town and has nightlife too,in the middle of the most beautiful landscape.