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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We went in Feb. Walked from Goreme (easy 20 min walk). Got there at 10am thinking How busy cane it be? Already numerous tour buses, so walked clockwise around the churches to avoid the crowds. Was great till halfway when we hit the tour bus groups. Amazing place and amazing art work. Not to be missed regardless of the crowds….
It's nice and interesting, but repetitive. You can visit many churches carved on rocks, from Medieval era, with nice Christian's paintings on walls. It's close to Goreme, it's possible to go walking. The main problem is that you have to pay extra tax to visit the most interesting church in the museum, but they don't say that when you buy…
It's a small collection of churches/monasteries with frescos. Timed entrance into these little cave churches, which are located 10 minutes from Goreme.
To dig this out and to be able to move the entire town, produce and livestock in, in times of trouble, is staggering. It is surprisingly spacious and laid out very carefully for all its various uses. Fresh air circulates due to their well placed ventilation shafts and water wells.
Excellent but be ready to walk narrow and low space, you would never think the people could do that to protect themself
It's quite an easy 15-minute leisurely climb to the top for a 360% view of the Cappadocia region. If you are there when the weather is hot, go nearer to sunset when it's breezy and the climb is mostly in the shade. There's a drink stall at the top selling juices and you can linger and take beautiful pictures.
The valley just seems to come out of nowhere completely hidden from the level until you are right on top of it. Picturesque walk alongside the river with no difficulties but not much in the way of views. Pleasant stop at a cafe with seating areas in the water – very pretty..
I overlooked this place when trying to decide what to visit in Cappadocia. We visited Selime Monastery and it was the highlight of the day. Not surprising that this was the first choice of location for filming Star Wars (wasn't allowed). I thought Selime Monastery and Pasabag were the most photogenic places we visited…
In days gone by, the locals would maintain pigeon coops and use the droppings from the birds as fertilizer. There are thousands of pigeons in this valley. Fun to see.
This tour is really astonishing! To imagine that so many people lived underground in these caves is mind boggling. But, this tour is not for those who fear small, cramped spaces or being underground.