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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After going to the open air museum, follow the path to the Rose Valley…. The walk is amazing! Take good shoes, a light snack, water, and a flashlight if you are planning to enter some of the caves.
This whole place is magic…but this place has a great story to go along with the beauty.
Visiting the Dark Cave was spell-binding and worth every Turkish Lira. You won't regret it. Go early or late when to beat the crowd.
easy and beautiful hike around the chimney, just incredible and open for everyone with good shoes. on the middle you will be able to drink a good orange juice..
Ihlara Valley has to be one of the best hikes in Cappadocia.
This is a labrynth of caves joined by common tunnels and is up to 8 storeys deep, built by Christians fleeing the invading Ottomans. It essentially is like an apartment block of caves with its common airshafts and walkways etc.
The caves were dug by hand using basic tools into hardened volcanic ash (there was a volcanic explosion of ash…
I went here with a tour group and it was extremely crowded. It was interesting to see how people lived, but with so many people there it felt like a fire trap. If you don't like small spaces and crowds skip this place!
Great experience looking inside the Martian landscape at Cappadocia. Can clearly see evolution of religion from early Pagan days to emergence of Christianity. Unless you are a history buff, all cave churches are similar. Must not miss the one opposite the entrance, it is included in ticket to museum. Very well preserved.
Geyikli Kilise
For the hıstory buffs and photographers thıs entıre area wıth ıts unıque landscape ıs just astoundıng! Be ready to take plenty of photos and hope for a blue sky. Thıs ıs one of my favourıte stops ın the whole country. There are also a number of small shops sellıng everythıng from trınkets to honey.