Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley) is about mid-way between Goreme and Avanos, on the road to Zelve. ” The valley got its name because monks used to take refuge here.” Pasabag Valley is more commonly referred to, an area that’s noted for its fairy. The unusual moon-like landscape with its extraordinary formations. If you’re wondering why these unusual rock formations are called fairy chimneys, it’s because the early inhabitants of Cappadocia believed that these were the chimneys for the fairies who lived under the ground.
Pasabag Valley has the best collection of fairy chimneys in Cappadocia. In this area you can see a few different types of fairy chimneys the elongated fairy chimneys look like giant asparagus or Japanese king trumpet mushrooms and then there are those that are pedestal shape with broader bases. The cone shape fairy chimney, is a chimney that has lost its cap due to erosion.
Cappadocia had become a thriving monastic community by the 4th century and St Simeon was one of the many monks who came to Cappadocia. It seemed that rumours had got around that he could perform miracles and he came to Cappadocia to escape the attention. He lived as a hermit in the upper reaches inside one of the 15-metre high fairy chimneys with his disciples and only descended occasionally to get food and drink brought by his disciples. A hermit’s shelter and a chapel dedicated to St. Simeon has been built into one of the fairy chimneys and you can visit the inside of this fairy chimney and climb to the top.
Visiting Pasabag Valley is such a change from visiting the many hectic Turkish cities and it’s a pleasure to wander in the open space amongst these nature-created attractions. For a spectacular view of Pasabag Valley and its army of the fairy chimneys, follow the path up to the top of a ridge, it’s very peaceful and the view is absolutely stunning.
The best place to see three-headed fairy chimneys. Pasabag, the Pasha’s Vineyard, is surrounded by incredible natural rock formations; a spectacular scene.
Pasabag valley contains some of the most striking fairy chimneys in Cappadocia with twin and even triple rock caps.
A must see definitly!! Once you're in Capadoccia, do not forget your camera. It rather go early than late. Lots of tourists, not good to take pictures.
The fairy chimneys here are certainly REALLY cool geologically. The basalt caps are really well shown here and you get to see different processes of erosion for the different chimneys. The really narrow necked chimneys are especially interesting.
IT's a small area but the geological structures are very unique. There is a pathway that you can follow to explore the area, which took us roughly 15-20 minutes. And unlike Zelve, it's free for all.
Probably the most characteristic landmarks of Cappadokia.
This is a great place to visit for some spectacular photos, just next to the main road
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.
We came here twice on our trekking tour, the second time to eat pancakes. Like everything we saw in Cappadocia4, we highly recommend it.
Pasabag means the Pacha's ( General’s) vineyard, it is a very common nick name. This site is also called Monks Valley. The name was derived from the cones carved in stones that stand apart. There is a vineyard and a number of tuff cones standing right next to the road.
A chapel dedicated to St. Simeon (Simon), and a hermit’s…
I love these natural rock formation, and man carved caves throughout the century. I wondered through the tunnels and caves for hours, and sensing how the ancients lived in these natural home.
My first visit to Pasabag was 24 years ago. Years later I still think it's one of the most photogenic places in Cappadocia, together with Selime Monastery.
Not a big site, but worthwhile to see. The basalt "tops" are constantly being formed and the old ones falling down. Several look like they wouldn't make it through the week.