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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nice views from the top, but maybe not worth the entrance fee to get inside. Not much to see on the inside and a little in disrepair. There is a tea stand on top with nice views.
It was a great hike to do right after the open-air museum and we were lucky that there were red spray painted arrows on where to go. At the end of the valley, you can choose other trails which are a little bit more confusing even if there are signs, but Gorme is an excellent place to get lost.
I didn't even want to go for a hike, but I am so glad we did! The views in the valley are amazing and the cave churches along the way are an added bonus. Definitely worth spending the time (3-4 hours) to do the hike. Also, do have lunch at one end of the valley at one of the riverside…
The Ihlara valley is a beautiful place. You can take long or short walks (between 3.5 to 14 km). The walking trail is taken well care of and the surrounding and churches are magnificent!
We loved to go inside the cave churches and just to be surrounded by such unusually shaped caves!
I highly recommend the Dark church in there, which contains paintings from V century, but look like they were done 2 hours ago. Amazing!
The castle is quite high up and you do need to be fit to walk up. there is nothing stunning about the interior but as you walk up you will see different views of Uchisar and the surrounding area. Do go….
So many interesting churches, so many incredible frescos. Do not miss the Dark Church, it looks as though the frescos were painted yesterday, not hundreds of years ago.
A wonderful open air museum which introduces the uniqueness of this area. We spent a few hours there with a guide and then we were able to walk around on our own to explore the caves and rock formations that are unlike anything we have seen before. A good place to start exploring this area
What an experience, there was so much to see. Very interesting place. I would not miss this!
Not as good as expected,but a good visit,dont visit in the morning.Go only to the Tokali church outside. The paintings are great, but with the crowds,it wasnt the best experience. And I would rate Zelve much higher.