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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Unlike anything I have ever seen. A day here is enough, though. If you stay longer, you just see more of the same. Only reason for planning a couple of days would be to increase the chance of good weather.
Beautiful place to take pictures and visit all the caves. Serene and peaceful. Loved the rock formations.
This is a hiker's dream! Dramatic and varied landscapes, wonderful views, all completely accessible from the local towns (we stayed in Goreme). Make sure you go in September – the summers are waaaay too hot for spending much time outside.
We hiked down from Uchisar after visiting Goreme Onyx there. The start of the hike was lovely, winding through rock formations and gardens ripe with melons, tomatoes, beans, peppers and several kinds of fruit trees. Then the trail lead out onto open hills that dropped off steeply and should have been marked with warnings. After trying a couple of worrisome…
not much in the castle except a climb to top to see Goreme and surrounding areas from the top. I wouldn't really call it a castle – since there's nothing in the structure itself to see.
Beautiful place, it was just very unfortunate for us that we went right in the middle of the day when about 4 tour groups were coming through.
Deinkuyu is the deepest underground city and is also quieter than the other ones. We had a guide (60 Lira for 4 people) and it really made a big difference, as we could really put into context why the city was dug the way it was, its functions etc. I think it's a must see if you're in the region.
September in Capadoccia is a very busy season,and for that reason you have to go to the Open Air Museum very early to avoid the crowds (and still you will get it).It is a mandatory visit,where you can see all the christian churches and original paintings,very good example of the ancient culture in Capadoccia.Available audio guide at the front desk…
You must visit the church in the top of the Open Air Museum. It is a fantastic place and very well conserved.
Great mix of historical value and natural beauty.