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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Admire the beautiful landscape. Here you can see some of the pigeon houses for which the valley is named.
We could see all of Uchisar, and all the way to Avanos! A bit windy at times, but worth it! It seems like sometimes someone sells drinks (hot and cold) at the top, but no one was there the day we went.
The geological formation all around Cappadocia valley cannot be described!!! The only that a visitor wants to see all of them again and again. It is a geological miracle as it is the one of Grand Canyon in USA and Meteora in Greece.
The most pronounced structure in the city of Ortahisar, situated at a 86 m height and has an amazing view of the area.
Long time ago, during the Roman Empire period, it was used as a castle as it used to be a dwelling area.
Zelve definitely offers less "attractions" than the Goreme Open Air Museum (smaller, fewer churches etc, no audioguides etc) but there are no crowds and tour groups and you have the freedom to stroll around and climb on the rocks at your leisure. It is 4 km away from Goreme, a fairly easy bike ride away.
The " fairy towers" are like nothing else I have seen. Took a tour with Turkey Heritage, good guide, interesting tour. Saw this among other attractions
If in Uchisar, do NOT miss this wonderful place. The Castle is amazing and the market around it is a fun fill fantasy and a nice switch from a mall !
It is really interesting for those who are interested in ancient history. If you are going to take a guided tour, for example a grren one, it is not necessary to visit it. Better in sunset time
This is not an entirely worthless attraction. But I felt that the 15 TRY admittance was a bit too high for the quality of the sights. And I was a bit miffed by the extra 6 TRY required to enter the one "most livid" and best preserved church. It was not as though the church were on loan from a…
Loved the whole area and the history of Pigeon Valley was simply amazing! An exceptional place to visit.