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,
easy and beautiful hike around the chimney, just incredible and open for everyone with good shoes. on the middle you will be able to drink a good orange juice..
My dad and I parked up where the ATVs, 4WD vehicles look over the valley, and we began our independent hike without a guide, tour, etc. We didn't really have a plan, but just figured we'd go in the direction of the Red Valley. Things I learned from hiking around Cappadocia wear convertible pants..
We did this walk alone and as there were no official signs the spray painted arrows on the sides of some of the rocks was very helpful.
The colour of the rocks is lovely and it was extremely enjoyable evn on a hot day!
You can either walk or go there by ATV. Try to be around there at sunset. It is great to see the shades of red.
This was my favourite hike–little churches along the way-make it a full day hike, stop at the cay houses, visit the little churches, go to the view points, take lots of photos–see the amazing sunset over the valley.
Beautiful scenery, and our tour guide was engaging interested and informative; booked through Turkish Heritage.
So he just recommended that you hike around on your own and just go wherever looks interesting… which I think is the best way to do it.
Gorgeous geologic formations and beautiful with balloons aloft in the early morning hours. One of several scenic valleys in the Goreme region worth a visit.
It was sunny and hot, so bring comfortable shoes, a hat and plenty of water and enjoy immersing yourself in the beautiful valley.
I recommended that we do this hike prior to visiting the Goreme Open Air museum.