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,
We recommend starting your hike from the Goreme Open Air Museum and walking through Sword Valley and Red Valley. However, we started from the top of Sword Valley, which made for a more difficult hike. It was worth it for the wonderful view from above. There were also caves you could explore from above. You do end up walking through…
amazing views, breath – taking sunset, 4th century churches hidden in the rocks; not to difficult but you need proper hiking shoes
It was just amazing to start our tour in Capadocia with this 5 km. walk. of the Rose Valley. We found all kind of fruits on our walk and we had a great tour guide who was telling us about the incredible history of this beautiful place in the world.
Seemed to go from one to another. Very hard walking and a lot of climbing, some extremely steep. The path we took was about 6 1/2 kms and was not well posted. Take water with you and good shoes. Stunning scenery.
Rose was quiet and visually stunning, with warm sunshine an clean air. There is a vast maze of trails to choose from if you want to stray from the beaten path.
the valley is perfect for a walk. do not miss the church hidden in one of the rocks on your way to the view point. stop at the very nice cafe with garden on the top. especially in the evening you can see the sunset colors on the rose rocks.
I can't say much about the landscape of Cappadocia that hasn't already been said, but I need to put in my vote of confidence for the Rose Valley, which really is as worthwhile as indicated here. If you get a chance to come to Cappadocia, do make a point of hiking this or one of the other trails.
If you like hiking and wandering around, any of the valley hikes in Cappadocia will provide a great experience. I would definitely recommend spending 1/2 a day hiking the different valleys to get a more "off the beaten path" Cappadocia experience (instead of just cooped up in different artisan factory/workshops and group tours of the underground cities).
Stunning place which you can walk around and explore at your leisure. The volcanic and weather beaten landscape with cave dwellings carved out of the rock is just too beautiful for words and has to be seen to be believed.
Especially in the afternoon great colours, take you time to enjoy the walk.