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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Best time to visit the castle is at sunrise to observe the changing colors of all the valley surrending and take pictures of Pigeon Valley and Love Valley.
Fantastic site very compact with much to see. So many important early Christian churches with in many instances simply stunning art on the walls and ceilings. A not to be missed World Heritage site easily accessible.
I've rated this as very good even though this is a claustrophobic experience for me. We visited at a busy time and you are literally in smaller and smaller passages sometimes on hands and knees which grind to a halt as it gets very busy. The place is fascinating all the same.
Amazimg landscape…quite around you, difficult to find path. Ut worth to have a go
We drove down from the small town of Belisirma in the middle of the valley. It was a tight winding road but fine for regular sedan. The valley floor at this point offers a choice of restaurants.
Took me 11/2 hours using the excellent audio guide to go through these structures built into the mountains of lava. Many of the frescoes are still partially visible and rather surprising that they are still viewable. Lots of steps.
We went later in the afternoon and were met with hordes of tourists. I would suggest asking around when is the site less crowded, perhaps like lunch. Pay the extra lira for the Dark Church because of the quality of the frescoes, and you lose most of the other tourists.
We walked from Goreme to Uchisar via this valley and it was a very pleasant walk. The scenery is maybe not as good as the other valleys but it's still pretty special.
Cappadocia is a really fascinating place. I really liked it. You can find a brief information about Cappadocia in this website. It is a travel agency but besides the tours it offers, offers good information. Honestly I did not buy any tour neither from them nor from anybody else but anyway it is a useful site.
Great plave where nature and history blends to form a magical experience. Valleys filled with rocks shaped into all sorts of forms by wind and water. Because the rocks are relatively soft and easy to shape people have been carved their homes, churches, monasteries and underground cities in them for thousands of years. It is beautiful place. A must see.