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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Awesome terrain – this is a must-see for a visit to Cappadocia. Crazy rock formations and caves. Great vistas and places for kids to run and climb. Also places for adults to run and climb. Ignore the vendors – you can find better stuff elsewhere. You have to go.
The trail is well marked once you get onto it. It is relatively flat, follows a creek bed, so is the perfect place to be in the heat of the day.
Great choice of dining at the end of the walk; lots of monasteries and churches to view on the gully sides. Food is more expensive than normal in Turkey,…
Frescoes of the Buckle Church
Incredible! Has to be seen to be believed. I am glad I toured Derinkuyu Underground Museum even though I consider myself somewhat claustrophobic. I was very relieved to have a private guide for the cave tour, as being stuck in a large group could have been uncomfortable. While coming up a long, narrow, low, tunnel, that was the only way…
It is a monastery complex carved into the rock. Similar in some ways to Meteora with its location into the rock, though from what I could see was not at all built up. Apparently built in the 13th century, they carved into the rock and used it like that. The monastery is in a region called Guzelyurt, which is just about the coolest name I saw in our two weeks in Turkey.
Much of the sites on the map were not available to be viewed. What they don't tell you is that for approx 20% of the sites in the museum you need to purchase a second ticket for 8TL to go inside.
Wonderful walk with bathrooms and rest points along the way…natural caverns provide cool rsst points and there is plenty of picture taking spots.
Beautiful valley and the walk along the river is pleasant and not strenuous, I wouldn't rate it as highly as other sites, probably a 3.5 on the TA scale.
You will really like this place only if you have not walked the valleys and if your hotel is not in a cave, then this place will be really worth it. This museum is basically the same cave houses repeated through the whole place with some caves that they used as churches. After seeing one or two houses you have…
I especially liked Derinkuyu because the underground chambers went far underground and it was really interesting to hear about how people lived in these caves, with their livestock, during sieges. Some of the carved-out cathedrals are fairly intricate. I would highly recommend visiting Cappadocia.