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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Cappadocia is everything you read about and more, and pictures don't do this magical place justice. If you've ever wanted to feel like you escaped to another planet and explore serenely beautiful places, Cappadocia must be on your bucket list!
While the outdoor museum portion of Cappadocia can get pretty crowded (still worth seeing, of course), you can practically get…
Good to see a representation of what this area is all about in one place. But extra charge for the one church? Expected a bit more
Super fabulous, you must see it for yourself, clean trails, great cafe at the top with amazing views.
There are thousands of caves which have been carved out of "tuff" the name of the volcanic rock that is prevalent in this area. For 1000 years, until 30 years ago, people live din these caves.
Esentepe viewpoint is the best panoramic viewpoint from which to see Goreme Valley.
Fantastic morning walk from Goreme to Ushisar through Pigeon Valley. It's worth checking the directions from your hotel before you head out, but a moderate 3 km walk each way (our boys, aged 4 and 7 skipped along ok) and each turn provides another amazing view!
Pigeon Valley is a so-typical tourist bus stop that I consider it not worth visiting, if you are unable to hike around Red Valley and Rose Valley then this might be the place to see otherwise it's not worth visiting
Most travel agents or hotels will arrange a sunset trek to the rose valley. This valley has a different rock structure from the rest. The redish hues of the rock gives it the name. On a nice day teh sunset from this valley is spectacular.
Goreme Open Air Museum is a wonderful site where volcanic rock provided the perfect material to build homes,stables, chapels for the Christian communities who lived there. Fascinating and unique site.
the cave dwellings are a good day trip for day on your departure from Cappadocia because they do not take much time to tour.
I was surprised to learn that these caves were used as home dwellings till the year 1951! One might say that these caves are like any other caves lime Ajanta and Ellora but would strongly disagree…