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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Although only a short stop, this was a perfect little spot to take some spectacular photographs. As it isn't off the beaten track, it is definitely worth a quick stop.
the cave churches are nice, well-preserved. you must bring with your lonely planet or join tour there to have the storytelling of the background of this place. religious and historic!
One of the nicest things we did in this area. Highly recommend renting a car and doing it on your own as the tours can get long. A car offers you much more freedom. The hike is wonderful and the churches very interesting. Don't forget to stop at the monastery on the way out of town.
Having done Pigeon, White, Love and parts of Zemi and Iciri Dere, I hereby pronounce Rose as my favourite. The details – seems most people do this from south to north, leaving Goreme and heading up to Cavusin.
As one of the Goreme impressive valleys, you can walk there from the city centre (30 min). it is a nice trekking area, don't forget your suitable clothes if you go in winter.
We were fortunate enough to have a local gentleman accompany us, which was fantastic. Took a couple of hours.
I went on a Sunday morning shortly after the museum opened and there was already dozens of tourist coaches parked in the parking lot. I know it sounds a but hypocritical being a tourist and complaining about the abundance of tourists but it does take away from the atmosphere when you are gazing at a beautfully painted fresco of Christ…
We visited Derinkuyu Underground City, which was full of narrow stone tunnels and steps that go down. It has a long history, apparently going back 4,000 years, includes some period where it was used by Christians.
If you're claustrophobic, have breathing difficulties, or have related allergies then you won't be able to make it here.
Lots of walking and climbing, but amazing sights you have never seen before. The collection of little churches carved into rock and caves represent some of the earliest Christian and Muslim sacred places.
It takes 5min from the Zemevalley enterence from Goreme side. Located on the small hill. It was closed when I visited, JAN 2011 but if you have hiking around Goreme, it is nice to visit. Famous for Fresco and world heritage of UNESCO. Ticket office locates just behind of the church.