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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amazing… This is something out of the cave men days, There is so much history here. It is a must to visit and walking distance from the town. The views are incredible.
But if you are a little older you can still experience something truly special, just take a few precautions. A small flashlight may help you to see some steps a little better.
Do not take a big backpack filled with extra cloths, a small water bottle could be more valuable. The temperature may be cold, but walking the narrow tunnels…
The place is amazing, we have learnt a lot about the history of it by going there. It is a once in a life-time experience so if you're around it is highly recommendable to visit it!
Cappadocia is one of the truly great experiences. Turkey is a welcoming and friendly place and Cappadocia just continues that. The whole area is fantastic and a must visit. Allow minimum 2 days for walking and ballon rides. There are many hotels and camping grounds through out the area and many of the hotels are underground. To drive from Istanbul…
We were there in early November 2012 and the timing was just perfect. It was sunny but not hot. There were still a number of tourists but not crowded. You can walk at your leisure and enjoy the place. The history of the people that lived in these caves was very interesting and man's survival instincts.
We have visited the Roman Catacombs in Rome but this was different and much better. There is a huge underground city. This is the most popular underground sightseeing in Cappadokia area. There are guides in the entrance if you want to hire one. The und. city is very big and it needs at least 1hour to see all the "rooms"….
fabulous selection of cave dwellings, churches and assorted stuff with easy circular trail. Go soon because erosion is takings its toll.
I took the bus to Zelve(8.15 am) ,it stopped at Avanos for 20 mins. The views were superb, and it was a great walk(through steps ofcourse). I walked upto Pasabagi and got a bus back from there. The return bus from Zelve is around 11 AM. The fee was about 8TL, completely worth it, the pigeon houses were great.
Really amazing place.
Try to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon in order to avoid the big groups of tourists arriving during the day.
Caves and "churches" are small and cannot contain more than 20 people: you should be obliged to queue for a while if a couple of groups is before you.
the cappadocia region of turkey is fabulous! we spent much time exploring the goreme open air museum (a must see), the ilhara valley and ozkonok (an underground city). all the places were fabulous if you love ancient history, mosaics and frescoes and the fantabulous. great hiking. and we took a hot air balloon ride (royal balloons) and got a great…