Rose Valley small vineyards are surrounded by steeply eroded walls of tuff. The tuff was deposited in the form of ash by nearby volcanos between 11 and 3 million years ago.
The trails that loop around Rose Valley ( Gulludere Valley ) are easily accessible to all levels of walkers and provide some of the finest fairy-chimney-strewn vistas in Cappadocia. As well as this though, they also hide fabulous, little-visited, rock-cut churches boasting vibrant fresco fragments and intricate carvings hewn into the stone.
With its tufa hills creased into folds, surrounded by vineyards and orchards, and fairy chimneys of all sizes standing like stone minarets in an extraordinary natural landscape, the Rose Valley is a remarkable sight. The valley is dotted with hidden chapels decorated with beautiful frescoes, such as the 7C Church of Three Crosses, which houses a Christ Pantocrator flanked by angels, and the 8C-9C Church of St John, adorned with a portrayal of the Apocalypse.
Follow the signs from the Rose Valley trailhead to the Kolonlu Kilise (Columned Church). The rock facade here is easily overlooked. Take the trail through the orchard and the steps that lead off to the left to clamber onto the nondescript rock face. Once you’ve scrambled through the entrance and the lower chamber you’ll find a white stone nave studded with sturdy columns carved out of the rock. From here, backtrack through the orchard and follow the main trail to the Haçlı Kilise, where the shady cave-cafe at the entrance is the perfect pit stop for a walking break. The church, accessed by a rickety wooden staircase, has frescoes dating to the 9th century on its apse and a large cross carved into its ceiling. Head north from here and take the right-hand path to reach the Üç Haçlı Kilise, with its stunning ceiling relief and damaged frescoes featuring an enthroned Jesus.
One of the nicest and most most beautiful places to go walking in Cappadocia in Rose Valley . Start at Sunset point (near Ortahisar) and hike down through first Red Valley and then continue on the Rose Valley.
From the end of Rose Valley you can either walk to the nearby Cavusin Village. There you can visit the old part of the village which is crumbling away and too dangerous to still be inhabited because of the chance of falling rocks. Or you can continue on the Goreme (around another 45 minutes walk).
Rose Valley,
It is an excellent trecking, the valley is a must do at sunset. The landscape is wonderful. Highly recommended!
I felt like a 10yr old exploring with no signs to say Not this way I did have to turn back unfortunately after a little while because stupidly I forgot to take water and it was quite hot.
Beautiful colors and patterns in the hills and fairy chimneys. If you hike here in the very early am (6:30am or so) on a clear, wind-free day you may also see a skyline full of hot air balloons. Also, only a few miles from Goreme, so it's easy to walk there.
I would not advise you to walk this track on your own. The road is too difficult to find. And people might want to direct you in the wrong direction in order to have you back thirsty buying something to drink.
We had a wonderful guide who took us across the valleys. We visited the Hidden Church and some other…
The " fairy towers" are like nothing else I have seen. Took a tour with Turkey Heritage, good guide, interesting tour. Saw this among other attractions
Everywhere in Goreme you can see this type of scenery, which is unique, but I really love this Valley because has a charming path, you can walk on it and there is a church up in a cave, I liked it a lot. Everyplace in Goreme is beautiful, but you can see this valley quickly, it doesn't take long and…
Lovely hike with lots of caves to venture into and some great churches. You end up in a little village with a great "castle"
beautiful, quiet, fascinating natural geological formations dotted with dwellings where the early Christian hermits hit from the world
Not much to say except it was worth the stop to view the landscape. Not much else here but is pretty. After visiting Bryce and Zion in the US a few years ago, some of the rock formations around Goreme weren't that exciting but still nice to see. From the air in balloons, well worth the visit!
We took a dinner-time trail ride from a local outfitter which was splendid. The colour of the rock changes with the setting sun, ending with a fiery pink landscape. A great way to see the valley.