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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Spectacular views, unbelievable what nature have done there! Take your camara and enjoy the fantastic shapes.
I rented a 4-wheeler/ATV/quad bike and drove out here to see the sunset. The colours were pretty spectacular on the coloured rock! It's also a fun place to drive around on a rented 4-wheeler! 🙂
Stopped by for literally 10 minutes on the Southern Cappadocia tour. Where they used to train pigeons. Nice panoramic shot for photos. Really just a vista point but worth the stop on the tour for a photo op.
We decided on the advice of our hotel to walk down from Uchisar to Goreme via Pigeon Valley. We were told it would take 1.5 hours but it ended up taking us at least 2.5 hours.
When passing through Derinkuyu on your way to Goreme be sure to take a tour through the underground city that consists of carved out dwellings (some over seven levels). These underground dwellings were only discovered about thirty years ago and they are believed to date back to 2000BC. The city was able to support the towns folk and their animals…
We enjoyed our visit to Goreme NP with the many caves and carved out of the mountain, churches. The amazing icons and painted ceilings show the Byzantine Rite's beginnings. Quite a site not to be missed.
…..and the crowds were overwhelming. Too many tourists. Why does TA make you have to put in 50+ characters…i already said what need to be said in less!
Great for the imagination and good exercise too! Well worth the effort. Explore around the base too.
It is best appreciated with an English speaking guide who can point out all the items of interest. It is amazing how old and unusual this place is. Make sure that you have good footwear on as it is uneven ground.
Great view that is achieved with a very short hike. I suggest going near sundown when the Mosque's are announcing the call to prayer, it is enchanting.