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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the tour of this underground city was amazing though a little difficult to maneuver inside. The city could accommodate up to 20,000 people and had all the usual amenities such as wine and oil presses, stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, and chapels. its a must see site for anyone visiting this part of turkey.
The best-known rock cut churches and chapels may be inside the Goreme (pronounced Go-Rey-mey) Open Air Museum. The fine rock-cut churches are created out of the volcanic tuff or tufa, a rock consisting of consolidated volcanic ash ejected from vents during a volcanic eruption which are soft but become hard when it gets in contact with air.
The main attraction…
There were no more words to describe but AWESOME. Coming to Pasabag was like moving to the other world. The rock formation was so beautiful, with the unique giant mushroom on the heads. This is one you MUST visit.
Seilim Monastery was carved out the rock by Christian monks in 13th century. This is the biggest monastery in Cappadocia with a cathedral sized chruch. The wall were decorated with frescoes. There are a lot of religious and historical monuments.
the place look like a painting from old era, it gives you a feel of authentcity and you surrender to the magnificient nature
The structure itself is incredible, and the views are amazing! Learning about the history of the castle, especially during the Byzantine empire is quite a trip, and the views across the valleys of Cappadocia are unsurpassed!
I really enjoyed the fact that you could freely walk and explore the ancient city around the "Castle". The view from the top is magnificent.
I was completely impressed with the ingenuity of the people who made these dwelling especially when you realize you are only in a very small part of it and they go down several stories more
This place is beyond amazing in it's natural beauty and deep history, but this specific sight is very crowded, and I would recommend going to see it INDEPENDANTLY rather than with a tour group because if you're in a group, you are given restricted time inside each part…most of the Turkish tour agencies can arrange a private guide and driver…
A UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are numerous churches in the museum (which has an entrance fee). There is a separate fee for the Karanlık Kilise (The Dark Church) which is by far the best preserved of all of them and is well worth the money. There are guards at each of the churches and no photography is allowed inside…