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 cave paintings in the cave churches were in excellent condition and easy to see.
This open air museum is absolutely beautiful!! Rock cut caves, with beautiful frescoes and paintings, which have survived the test of time! Some, unfortunately, have been de-faced, but plenty more in good condition. Three hours needed here for sure, minimum!! Walking distance from Goreme town, time stands still here. Get here at opening time to avoid big crowds during peak…
15 liras is way too much for this museum. It takes about 25 minutes to go through it and you need to pay extra for various churches. Very disappointed. Many things are closed to the public
We spent three days in this area. It is truly spectacular. There are many things to do and see. The balloon flights are fabulous. Pictures do no do them justice, The cave ruins and underground cities really make you think and picture how early civilization lived.
Nice walk up the valley to The Castle for fabulous views over Goreme and Rose Valley, takes about 1 hour, if you don't get lost! We took a wrong turn and ended up against a cliff! Make sure to keep to the right when you reach a fork just out of Goreme, sign to Pideon Valley is pointing right, not…
How to describe a cluster of cave churches with the most amazing paintings, each depicting the tell of Christ in various forms and showing the various saints of the various churches.
One has to visit to see how the monks lived in caves and how wealthy people paid to be buried within a church and have a saint painted above…
People brought pigeons to this valley many centuries ago to populate caves so the droppings could be used as fertilizer for crops. The openings they carved for the pigeons, as well as the entrance doors for people are visible just everywhere in the mountains along the valley. And of course, pigeons are still plentiful. Walk the valley and enjoy…
This is a must. Make sure you go with a tour guide, so that they can explain the life in this underground city. It is truly remarkable how people lived there and hid from prosecution. Very beautiful and interesting.
Goreme is truly magical !! It is one of the most amazing places and when seen from a balloon floating above, even more so. Sunrise makes it shine with peaches and pinks as your imagination sees the people who lived in the caves so very long ago.
We visited as part of a tour of the region, and were impressed with the many churches cut into the rock, dating from the 10 th century . We are both fairly fit , but some people were having problems in accessing various sites as the steps can be very steep. The best church was located outside the museum, but…