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 to Pigeon Valley to see dovecote. The Routard did not mention that the site was far away and rather difficult to access and that there was no indication. It is still interesting to visit the dovecote (these holes made in stone) and know the history associated with it.
Again like all sites in Cappadocia, not suited to younger children or those disinterested in culture
The view from the top of the hill is breathtaking, ideal for photography. There are souvenir stalls on the hill and you can buy 1 miniature cave for only 1 lira.
fascinating place and well worth a visit. We had a rather annoying guide who expected us to stand aound in the hot sun at great length listening to bible stories. he meant well..he wanted to explain the pictures…but it became tedious.
Paşabağ or Monks Valley has the best collection of fairy chimneys in Cappadocia. It is mid-way between Göreme and Avanos. The fairy chimneys here have the look like giant mushrooms, many of them double or triple-headed, sitting on broad pedestal shaped bases. These multiple headed fairy chimneys make Paşabağ unique.
You can access this valley from Heybe Hotel, just down the road perhaps 200 meters. Watch the balloons rising over the rocks as the colors change at sunrise for a truly magical experience.
It was just amazing to start our tour in Capadocia with this 5 km. walk. of the Rose Valley.
We found all kind of fruits on our walk and we had a great tour guide who was telling us about the incredible history of this beautiful place in the world.
GUIDE. I really recommend: Gulsen Cavdar, tel. 90 537 544…
great views and churches, but can get busy with tour groups
Belisirma Village located in the middle of the Ihlara Valley the birds and the stream’s sound… very charming and peaceful place…
The best: a wonderful way to start our Capadocia visits.
The Worst: entrance fee to expensive for the church, and no information available aboyt the site. We would expect at least a flyer with some little information since we pay entrance fee.