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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This is a free activity around Goreme and you do not need a guide. It was amazing to see the different landscape and climb up some of the hills to get great views of the surrounding valley. Bring lots of water for a hot day.
Unique place.
It is very interesting for a visitor to visit all churches because in every single one there are very interesting hagiographies, and from the top (of the last monastery) the view is exciting.
also the history of the valley and the reason of the existance of so many churches, is interesting too.
The whole museum is really brilliant! You just keep wondering why the people dug through all the rocks in the past. Amazing.
We went on a tour that was well staffed and very knowledgeable guides that had been here many times over. So they knew all of the "great" spots to frequent, and we got some wonderful pictures of all of the old rock churches and homes carved out of the rock faces of the mountains. The cave drawings showed some intricate…
It's a fantastic small section of similar rock dwelling cities, that has been isolated for the public and contains a relatively large number of frescos and churches.
On the negative side, it's pretty touristy, so you will suffer for sitting behind or being pushed out the way by large tourist groups.
Definitely a must see – but not the must…
a journey back through time like you have never seen before. if this was the only place you visited it would be worth going to cappodocia for.
Its a beautiful captivating valley.Hiking by the river side through the jungle along with the sight of ancient caves is really amazing .Better to wear walking shoes because lots of walk is involved.One can enjoy the Drinks and Coffee at the restaurants with lovely huts and eye catching scenes
I think I've just been to too many museums, churches, etc. so it wasn't especially interesting. Might have been better if we had a guide, but I probably would have been just fine skipping it all together.
We hiked from Cavusin to Goreme, this is a wonderful hike in a most magical part of the world. Wear good hiking shoes, and there are a few significant climbs, and you can scramble up to some of hidden churches. We enjoyed this hike very much.