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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The frescoes of the Apple Church mostly date from the 11th century. The interesting name probably derives from a red orb held by St. Michael the Archangel in a fresco near the entrance, but an alternative theory is that an apple tree used to grow next to it.
Belisirma is undoubtedly the best place along the valley to stop for a bite to eat as there are four restaurants right on the river’s edge near the bridge leading to the village, which is located about halfway between Ihlara and Selime. There are also some interesting churches here in Belisirma, including Direkli Kilise and the church of St. George, both of which are just off the path near the river.
We have lunch in the valley by the beautiful sound of the running water in the valley then after lunch we have a short walking in this gorgeous beauty of nature nature followed by hiking up the valley to visit ancient church.
You will never get bored while going around this church with the flat ceiling, and that is decorated with a cross inside a circle in the middle, and on the edges , however, with garland motifs among palm tree motifs…
It is a "MUST GO" place when you visit Goreme, you can have nice view from here. Caves visiting is very interesting.
We loved walking through Love Valley and exploring the different churches. It was not crowded and a fantastic place to get away from all the tourists at the main attractions.
Our visit to the Goreme national park was fantastic as both my wife and I are interested in history and archeology.The caves date back to pre christian times and many of the writings of the thee original apostles of Christ were written while they stayed in the caves and the early monastries.ie "letters to the cappadocians".
As with all historical…
This is a huge undersgound city. We visit all 5 levels descending around 40 meters. Some tunnels are very narrow and you will have to walk curvely. It is amazing how people used to live here avoiding the enemies. It is worth a visit.
This site is more interesting because of the view. There are better cave dwellings to see in Cappadocia
UNESCO World Heritage, you can' t get credit of what your eyes are seeing. You will love it! Inside is Karanlik Church, the dark church, little with incredible wall paints. You have to extra pay, but you wont feel dissapointed.