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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This is a very interesting place to visit.The tiny churches carved into the hills are great and the frescoes are particularly historic and beautiful.Unfortunately pictures are not allowed.I understand why we can't use a flash but the only reason to deny photos otherwise is the cash grab at the ever present souvenir stand beside the exit.Sad really.
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 was pretty hot in the afternoon, with the temperature as high as 37C. Long ride from Love Valley before reaching Derinkuyu.
I couldn't believe that this cave can enter 5,000 people. but I have look around there, I thought capacity was enough to enter 5,000 people. I think, this cave was well-made in view of engineering, because of water supply, air supply, trap, etc. Because of narrow path, sometimes it was difficult to pass in the cave.
I saved this visit to my last morning and I was very disappointed. My 15TL ticket gained me entry and I purchased an audio guide as well for 10TL but I didn't really need it as there were English descriptions outside each cave church. It was very crowded when I was there so it's probably best to go early to…
Castel was simple and great. You walk up and see an amazing view of the entire region. Uchisar is a great town with high end meal options in the cave hotels facing the Pigeon Valley as well as an excellent dirt cheap Pizza place in town — great 1 hour excursion with a nice entry way for a 2 hour…
The colour is amazing and the view the same. Great to see from the balloon, but just walking in the valley is very relaxing. You'll find the best coffee and great service up there.
We nearly didn't go as we thought it would be the same as other Open Air Museums but this was different. Rougher, less man managed, it gave a community feel with village centre/square and dwellings around. So shut off and peaceful. For me the best.
We started from Ihlara village till Belisirma where we had a lunch and finally by bus to Selime monastery. Pleasant stroll through Ihlara indeed – nature is beautiful and there are many carved-in-stone settlements / churches.
It was interesting to see this, but after going into a few of the churches, they all began to look the same.