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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I would recommend this place. However, if you go after 10AM, you will share your visit, (which isn't cheap compared to other attractions) with hundreds of tourists, mainly from tour groups. I'd say yes, go here, but make an effort to go early. And don't forget, this is just one of many amazing things in the area. Down the hill,…
Goreme is simply breathtaking. You'll love it : the landscape, the volcanic chimneys, the caves from early century, the friendly people, the culinary, the music.
I visited it last year and up until now I still treasure it as one of my best travel experience.
I suggest you take a balloon ride, and choose a reputable one (price is only…
We explored Rose Valley just before sunset and felt like we were the only ones for miles around. We stumbled across several beautiful caves with intricate frescoes and reliefs. Grapevines are spread throughout the valley, and the many caves hidden in the valley are open to people to explore on their own. My husband and two kids loved this far…
It's great to peer into the caves and ancient churches to imagine life in another time. However, it's hard to step back in time during the middle of the day when tourists are queuing to look through the sights and flashes are going off in all directions. I'd recommend going early or late to avoid the crowds.
It was 23…
Fabulous views and beautiful churches. Our whole family was entranced.
it's hard to imagine how long this area has been used by different peoples as homes, churches, and shelters. What an absolutely unique area of the world!
Looks like an ancient bomb site when you approach it, a real dump until you walk through the market stalls on the approaches to the turnstile entrance. Then you have to walk through some seriously narrow and low tunnels sniffing the backside of the person in front before you emerge into bare living quarters. Some of the more claustrophobic headed…
We got very lost and ended up spending over 3 hours in a canyon wondering why on earth people said it only takes 45 minutes!!!
We took a bus from Goreme to Uchisar for 6TL for two and visited the castle for 5TL each and had a lovely view of the entire area- highly recommend this!
The audio tour was boring, maybe hire a guide if you are that interested. There are a bunch of monastic caves as you climb up and down the stairs of this complex to reach each, but the Dark Church was definitely worth it to see the preserved painted walls.
Probably the most fascinating site in Cappadocia. Effectively it's a human ant farm from pre history, burrowing deep below the ground. Only the top eight floors are open to the public but it goes much deeper and is connected to other underground cities in the area.