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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The painted churches in Goreme Open Air Museum are truly amazing. It is hard to believe that you are seeing painting from early Christianity in the middle of the stunning geographic formations. I agree that September was a perfect time to visit. The weather was warm but pleasant. Be sure to visit the Dark Church. The quality of the paintings…
A landmark area in Cappadocia, definitely worth a visit. Suggest exploring the Pasabag valley rather than just taking pictures on the road side. If you like hiking, I would recommend you taking the walk from Goreme – Goreme Open Air Museum – Rose Valley – Cavusin – Pasabag – Zelve.
This was a great hike for March. We didn't see another soul on the hike. The landscape is jaw-dropping. There is no landscape like this anywhere else in the world. About 4+ Km to the town of Cavasin and then a 3 km walk back to Goreme. Highly recommend.
Zelve is made up of 3 valleys with cave homes and churches. It is very well preserved. Unlike Goreme Open Air Museum, Zelve doesn't seem to get very crowded and I really felt like I was there on my own exploring every nook and cranny without feeling rushed by tour groups.
Go early, avoid the thousands of tours. Very special place and good to see the early Christian paintings being cared for.
Cappadocia has 36 underground citties But the most important and the best is KAYMAKLI. You can see everything in this one.Stone doors , stable, graves, food storages, living room , church, kitchen , ventilation shaft, winery, tunnels…
if you like to see everything, you have to choose this one to visit.
An opportunity to walk around some delightful old chapels with some original paintings still visible. There is a lot of vandalism expecially to the faces and they do not allow photos inside. However, the chapels are quite close together so not too strenuous on a hot day.
We did this walk alone and as there were no official signs the spray painted arrows on the sides of some of the rocks was very helpful.
The colour of the rocks is lovely and it was extremely enjoyable evn on a hot day!
I just recommended that you hike around on your own and just go wherever looks interesting… which I think is the best way to do it.
the view is great and you can shop for souvenir near the valley… it is not far from Goreme all people pass by this place while in cappadocia