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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Shame they don't provide guide pamphlets, however they do have audio guides. Fantastic museum although it's a bit small compare to the Skansen Open-Air Museum in Stockholm which i've recently visited. Gave you a brilliant view on how people used to live in the little caves, where they used to pray, cook, dine …. It's a must visit in town!
The town center is marked by a plaza dotted with cafes, restaurants and a modern clock tower. On the far side lined with carpet and antique shops, and runs past a park inside which you’ll find Urgup’s small and unexceptional museum.
End of day and crowded. But, exhilerating views over the Valley.
Such an amazing sight to see how people used to live in these caves!
This is a great way to see a number of underground churches in a limited amount of time. Be sure to pay the extra few lira to see the Dark Church. Also, be sure you stop and see the Buckle Church, just outside the museum proper. Both have incredible frescos.
I you are visiting anywhere near the sites of Goreme, you can't help but go through Pigeon Valley. There's some nice hiking, fairy chimneys, colored rock, and cave dwellings here. It's pretty accessible, in many places, for those who have a hard time walking. I wish I had more time to explore here.
You need a guided explanation. It is somewhat spare of words and the tour groups run over individual tourists
If asked my first impressions of Turkey it would be – hot, dry and sandy. This was until i came across Ihlara Valley. What a little gem. This will take up a couple of hours to break up the unbelievable history that goes with Turkey. We came here on a Fez Tour and spent a good couple of hours walking…
The place is amazing, basically a city built into the valley rock walls. While not as spectacular and compact as Goereme Open air most of the tour buses skip this place, which is great, no crowds. The hour we were there we might have seen 15-20 people.
The clay from the Red River is spun and shaped into all sorts of items. You can get all of them cheaper outside of Avanos!