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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Not to be missed. We walked here from town on our first day, an easy 20-30 minute walk. The cave drawings are really interesting and tells you so much about the history of the area. Lots of tourists (many who come in big buses), so wait to get into some caves can be annoying, but many are worth the wait.
Liked the guided tour, take the audio sets for sure. Some of the chapels are really amazing. Getting there is very easy, its a saunter from the town centre. Overall a good place to spend an afternoon, perhaps a couple of hours
The place is incredible, I can't imagine there is such a place like this anywhere else. Mabe Petra reminds me a bit of the spirit you find here specially in the caves. In this park to truly appreciate it's magnificence you have to take the balloon trip that will fly you through the park.
We LOVED it.
Highly recommended.
It was difficult to see much but with a good zoom camera or binoculars you could make it out.
Definitely worth seeing, despite the many other visitors. The mosaics are beautiful and you are paying to help preserve them.
My visit here was one of the most impressive I've every had. There were underground cities, dawn balloon rides, hotels built into caves, and scenery that makes your eyes pop. And everybody I met in this area was super friendly. You couldn't ask for more from a vacation spot.
A visit to this open air museum is one of the better reasons for visiting Cappadocia. The chapels carved out of the soft volcanic rock are decorated inside with frescoes and icons representing biblical scenes. Many of these are still in remarkably good condition. The whole museum is sited in the midst of some of the most bizarre natural weathering…
If you visit Goreme, you should definitely see the Open air Museum
If you're not claustrophobic, this is another MUST visit place in Cappadocia! It's truly incredible to see how people lived 8 floors underground in the ancient times! It could very crowded at times, & turns to be very hot! You will be bending most of the time & walking through very narrow places, then climb 8 floors all the way…
All our connections, luggage,and excursions were timely with no mishaps. The hotels were way beyond our expectation and Gate 1 employees as well as all staff were outstanding and the rooms extremely clean and modern. The bus driver and helper were friendly, patient and efficient.