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 was the first stop of our south Cappadocia tour. When we arrived, around 10:30 AM, there wasn't much of a crowd and our guide let us in quick. We were a group of 3 couples. Two people had to leave 5 minutes in. If you're claustrophobic, have breathing difficulties, or have related allergies then you won't be able to…
I was completely impressed with the ingenuity of the people who made these dwelling especially when you realize you are only in a very small part of it and they go down several stories more
Deepest, and I would say broader than Kaymakli, nice example of undergroudn city. It's origins date from Hetits (2000 BC)
Having yourself among the pigeon crowd who come and go over your heads?
View above the hills to see beautiful rocky sceneries.
Loved the panoramic view, It's a shame the tradition is not reserved. Didn't go for a hike, maybe next time.
I went to Pigeon Valley for a morning walk apparently at a perfect time of the year. Takes about 2-3 hours and it was exquisite. Quiet walk with lavender and golden blooms accompanying your walk with just the right amount of hills up and down. Extraordinary formations.
Beautiful views but more of same mountain landscapes
My favorite thing about Cappadocia was the bookstore that had a million used books from all the backpackers that had come through, all sorted by language, as well as quality. There was a section for “fiction” and another for “literature,” which only included books that didn’t suck. It was great.
went on this tour as part of our package, I would not have gone out of my way to see this. We pretty much saw it all from the air while on our balloon ride. You will not miss much if you do not make it to the open air museum.
This open air museum is a stumble through a number of caves and churches in a village near Cappadocia. It was used by the religious fraternity – higher status only, and contains a number of quite well preserved secco paintings, dating back 600 years or so. Some are stunning. We didn't find big crowds, but were just outside peak week….