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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Great place. Amazing site. Just a few steps from our hotel. Tripods not allowed and a small fee. Lot's of churches and "homes" in the rock. Amazing.
We were on our honeymoon and we had already done capadocia undiscovered tour and been around love valley, so we did not find it great. But may be people interested in history may find it great. Its worth visiting only if u have time
You have to get the audio or you have no idea what you're looking at. We were lucky enough to be behind a group of Georgian Monks on our circuit around the museum. They prayed and "ahhhmmmmdddd" and sang like something out of an old movie. Very cool.
The breath taking view started just when the bus reached the top of the road before it went down to the parking area. From that position, you can see all the wonderful landscape of this valley. Unique greyish white rock formation spread along the horizon, leaving some mysterious feeling.
Inside, you can see some ancient cave churches which walls full…
We visited the open air museum around 4:00 on a Sunday. Our hotel owner suggested we go then since the tours would be mostly gone. When we arrived, we were amazed at the number of buses in the parking lot, but entered anyhow. However, as we walked to the museum, the crowds were all coming toward us (getting ready to…
Difficult to get excited at the end of a long day when there are very few pigeons actually there any more.
It was good fun exploring the carved out monasteries and other dwelling structures. Highly recommended.
excellent place to see the valley…. the pigeon, pretty place….
I specially made whole way from Zurich to Dark Church in Goreme – its unique as well as less visited churches in Goreme and around
Kaymakli Underground City – one of the largest underground cities here, said to have existed since Hittite period and gradually expanded over the centuries. It is an interesting experience to see how the ancient people adapt to living in Central Anatolia, a crossroad of invading armies.