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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The 8 TL charged for admission is worth it. The Zelve Open Air Museum consists of three valleys all that follow a paved path. The first valley shows examples of wheat grinding and wine making caves. The second valley you will discover many rock caves and the Holy Cross Church. The third valley has the village square and mosque there…
We did not hike the valley because it seemed a little hard to do with kids. But the rose color valley could be seen from vaious places. We went to sunset point on evening and the colors were breathtakingly beautiful
Don't miss both outdoor museums – well worth the time!
It was wonderful to see all of the pigeons. So amazing that they make the homes in the rock. There are quite a few valleys and each one vary from one another. Amazing to see!!!
The site of the best concentration of frescos was chosen for the National Park. Definitely worth a visit.
There are many hikes in Cappadocia, some of which can be quite challenging. lhara is not so and anyone can go for a comfortable 5km hike along the river and enjoy some stunning scenery, a couple of interesting cave churches and a couple of riverside cafes.
The scenery, although beautiful, is slightly less stunning than many of the other valleys…
This is the Church of the Evil Eye and it is a quiet, infrequently visited site only 10 minutes walk from the main road to the museum from Goreme. Simply follow the signs. We appreciated the opportunity to have an unhindered look around at a place under restoration, and even though the frescoes are not up to the standard of…
Like : superb place, could not find this elsewhere. A must visit to understand life in Cappadocia, especially if you do not stay at the cave hotels. Good locations to take pictures of the nature of Goreme
Dislike : as it is open air, visiting during the cold season is a bit of a pain. bring enough clothing as it…
Before starting to walk around the valleys make sure you have the right maps, start early so tyou do not get too much sun. The signs are not really clear around the valleys and you might not find anyone to ask for directions.
Wear proper shoes! Lots of gravel you can slip on (I did). Avoid walking in the hot sun and rent an ATV for the day. You can see a lot more, faster and wind on the ride to keep you cool!