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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This would be a better experience if there weren't so many other people wanting to see this amazing underground city of 8 levels at the same time as you!!! There is a sign outside saying it is not suitable for people with claustrophobia, heart conditions or asthma.
I have visited twice, both times with guides and enjoyed it. Underground city gets many claustrophobic. I will take guests here to see it.
First of all | would like to inform you if you are claustrophobic. but if not a must-to-SEE place. it is a hidden city for christians. it has 8 levels. kitchen living area etc. there are soo many things to explain..
One of the greatest, eeriest and moving places under the sun. The fairy chimneys, ranged in tiers like the hooded spectators of some amphitheatre frozen in time, seem to gaze down on you benevolently. Unfortunately erosion has taken its toll, various parts of the three valleys are out of limits now. The Turkish National Park service has done its best…
We hiked at the Rose Valley together with the Red Valley. The view is really fantastic. The entrance is around 30 mins from the Open Air Museum. There are lots of naturally colored stones in lovely shapes, caves and churches on the way. There are a few points for taking rest and having drinks/snacks.
It takes around 4 to 5…
I spent a month in Capadoccia, house sitting for a friend. I went on numerous hikes in different valleys, saw many cave churches, some part of a national park like Goreme's Open-Air Museum, many just stumbled upon while hiking. The Dark Church in Goreme, which requires an additional fee is not to be missed. It's the best in the area,…
This place is like a smaller Goreme to me. It was definitely a shorter visit.
At Zelve, there are less frescoes to see. But you get to climb up a make-shift ladder into an upper room. That was pretty fun.
Mass tourism rather spoils the experience of these tiny rock hewn churches made for private worship and meditation. Good to see they are being preserved now, but a real loss of spirituality. I wanted to see them, and I am truly glad that I have, but I went away slightly disappointed. Perhaps very early in the morning might be the…
It is amazing how people carved out a monastery and churches in medieval times. The site is well worth visiting, but I don't like the fact that after paying $10 per person you still have to pay $5 more to see one of the churches inside. And you would think that paying $10 guarantees clean bathrooms, but theirs were worse…
Really amazing scenery, but what pissed us off, was an extra entrance fee, you have to pay for one of the churches, after already paying really expensive entrance fee for the whole museum..