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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We did not walk this but stood at the top at Uchisar and then on the Panoramic viewpoint Goreme/Pigeon Valley. Spectacular views. We had a drink at the Balkon Hotel, Uchisar, at the head of the valley which is a lovely hotel and gives one of the best views. Looks like a good walk from the bottom of the valley…
The fairy chimneys here were mostly mushroom shaped. Many more of these exist on this site than the others. If you ask me, they looked like private parts of the male anatomy. Either way, they were stunning and certainly worth the visit. Many opportunities for cool pictures here.
Cappadocia is great. A really unusual place to visit with of natural phenomena, as the fairy chimneys and beautiful valleys, and strange underground cities and cave dwellings which give real insight into the way of life in this part of.
This was somewhat interesting, a entire city built underground however after seeing all the beauty in this region and staying in a cave hotel, visiting Derinkuyu Underground City did not feel as special. I would not recommend Derinkuyu Underground City to families with small children, the elderly, anyone with difficulty walking stairs or anyone with an upper respiratory illness/asthma.
This monastery complex 1 km from Goreme Center (an easy walk overlooking good scenic valleys, ranches and a pottery shop) gives you a good idea to the practice of monasticism in AD 900-1200 period. The rock cut churches , rectories and dwellings with their frescoes are worth the 15TL entrance fee .The attractions are well sign posted and gives basic…
Selime Monastery is a must see, usually in combination with a hike through Ihlara Valley. Guide books seem to play down this site, but it is a wonderful place to climb through old rock dug out churches and houses, definitely one of the best in the region. You can see it with the same ticket as for Ihlara Valley.
Have never been into anything like this before… we went atleast 3 to 4 floors below the ground.. and there are still a lot more floors below… Itz really crazy how people built these during ancient times with just basic tools to work with.
Though its a hefty drive to get to the Ilhara Valley from Goreme, we definitely enjoyed seeing this beautiful wonder of nature. Most of the area around Nevsehir and Goreme is pretty dry with lots of rocky surfaces and hills.
Just incredible sights! Have not experienced anything like this before.
We took a very pleasant walk through the Rose Valley, meeting the occasional walker – it can be lovely walking weather in April.