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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You actually get to explore and climb through these villages – so fascinating!! An absolutely unique experience, and the frescoes are surprisingly intact.
At Pasabag you will see the best examples of the fairy chimneys in Cappadocia. I pass by this place everyday and everyday it is a different wonderful view.
I couldnt believe how this naturally has developed… definitely worth a visit one of a kind nature. It is huge park and surprise you in every turn. must do when in Goreme and Cappadocia
Signage was not too helpful and there was a "traffic jam" on the footpath up and down. There's lots of history here, thoough, and you are right on top and in it.
Although there were many people, the site being popular, it is a good place to understand the origin of Christianity and the way of living 1,000 years ago in Cappadocia. Forbidden to take pictures in most of caves, but totally unlimited freedom of picturs outside 🙂
we saw this from our hot air balloon flight. The pilot was expert and could take us thru the open air museum. Not much to see.
The best to do is to visit villages
You can either walk or go there by ATV. Try to be around there at sunset. It is great to see the shades of red.
Downside quite commercial. Upside well worth the walk around to see the uneven wear on the rock and the topstones and the smooth areas of water? erosion.
An interesting look at how the early Christians in Cappadocia lived. One of the major things to see.