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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I stayed in a renovated cave condo, looking across the valley to uninhabitated cave dwellings that had existed for centuries. It is the most phenomenal experience. Turkey is rich in history, layers of cultures. The underground cities are close by, another amazing archeological experience.
It is overun with tour buses but it is very interesting to see the different churches and houses. They charge extra for the dark church but my favorite was the blue church
It was sunny and hot, so bring comfortable shoes, a hat and plenty of water and enjoy immersing yourself in the beautiful valley. Be sure to stay on the path and you will find yourself passing through 3 small cafes. We sat down and had orange juice at the first cafe, Natural Cafe, and met the owner Yilmaz who was…
there are a lot of groups visiting the site. Best time for visiting the museum is at about noon when travel groups eat lunch. Also to be improved: the signs that explain the cave churches. They could be in better translations and explain a bit more fondly about history of the extraordinary chuches.
This is an amazing place to visit but I agree with the previous TA that you wouldn't do so well if you didn't like small spaces or not mobile. The ladies selling the handmade dolls on the outside of the city all scream out for you to buy their dolls – for 3 turkish lira each they're worth it.
We went to Kaymakli and we vist the underground city.
Great views from the top but lots of steps to climb and not much barrier protection on the top so be careful in windy/icy conditions
Our hotel offered day tours involving some hiking plus a visit to this underground city, however we are not big on organised tours preferring to do our own thing. We caught a small dolmus to Nevsehir (not the Otogar)- instead on the main street. The conductor on the bus told us where to get off in the township.
the history is fasinating and appreciate this unique place so well preserved
This place is very special, so different, so much History and so much about how people lived hundreds of years ago, in amazing mountains made of a volcano ashes, in caves, that are so interesting and chocking.