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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Even if you're not religious at all this is a must-see experience. Very well laid out and helpful attendants. We even had a cup of tea with 2 of the guards!
Definitely go here, but go early in the morning to avoid tour buses.
Though it's not easy to drive there and to find where to park, etc. Once you get there, this is really amazing. The small town below is also very quiet.
If you are into Christian history or just plain history, this complex of caves is a must see. Like the "Footsteps of Paul", this tour is breath-taking. Plan to come and spend at least 3 to 5 hourse to fully appreciate the wonders on display. In these caves are exceptional paintings that were used by the early christians for teaching…
Our group of Senior’s enjoyed the humour of this sight of special structures and the opportunity to meet our drivers wife manning a shop of her handicrafts. .
The site contains several early orthodox christian churches, dated around 1000 AD, all carved directly into the soft stone of the mountain.
the major traveling time in this region appears to be September and October, be prepared for crowds and try to visit the caves early or late in the day.
Our guide was very knowledgeable. We didn’t do the private but walked through valleys from Goreme to Cavusin and on to Pasabagi Valley, then back to Goreme.
It was a life time experience to understand a bit about the History and the culture of the people who and how they lived. People interested in History should visit once in a life time, if possible.
No words can describe the wonderful cave houses, churches and markets at Goreme… the pictures dont do justice either… It is a sight to be experienced once in a lifetime..