Cappadocia
This fairy-tale city, where history is intertwined with the miracle of nature, Cappadocia is one of the most tourist destinations in Turkey. Nature has created fairy chimneys, and people have transformed history by making these fairy chimneys their homes and temples.
Cappadocia region is the area covered by Nevsehir, Aksaray, Niğde, Kayseri, and Kırşehir. Human settlement in this authentic city dates back to the Paleolithic era. In addition, Cappadocia is 5th in The Times ‘List of 25 Wonders of the World.
It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. This place, where the Hittites, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans left their mark, gives you the opportunity to travel in time! Let’s explore together the place that popped out of fairy tales!
Underground Cities That Will Take You To A Separate World
Before we talk about underground cities, let’s see why these unusual places are made. Because Cappadocia has been the place that various civilizations have wanted to take over for thousands of years, people have built underground cities to protect themselves from these attacks.
The first Christians who fled the tyranny of Rome and hid in Cappadocia took refuge in these underground cities. Our first stop, which promises you an unforgettable discovery under the ground, is the underground city of Kaymakli. The history of Kaymaklı dates back to the 8th century BC. Built during the Hittites period, this city has 8 floors. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey since 1984. It is one of the largest underground cities of Cappadocia.
Another enchanted underground city is Derinkuyu. Like Kaymaklı, it has 8 floors and one of the most interesting facts about this city is that it has the oldest mental hospital in the world. How oxygen is transported to the lower floors of this engineering marvel city, which surprises even today’s technology, is still a matter of curiosity. In addition, this city has the capacity to host 50 thousand people.
A Miracle Of Nature Fairy Chimneys
You should definitely see these interesting structures formed ten million years ago by the eruption of surrounding volcanoes. These unique structures have also gained historical importance due to human intelligence and the need for housing. It is one of the most famous places in this city, promising a dreamy holiday experience. You should not leave Turkey until you discover this unusual place.
Way to Watch the ‘’History’’: Open-Air Museums in Cappadocia
The next destination must be Cappadocia’s famous open-air museums. Zelve Open-Air Museum is can be your first stop. Spread over a wide valley, the Zelve open-air museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey. Here you can watch the fairy chimneys and enjoy the mystical environment.
And you should see the Goreme Open-Air Museum, the most famous Open-Air Museum in Cappadocia. Churches, monasteries, and houses carved into the rocks are an example of nature’s fusion with humanity. This authentic museum has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage list since 1985. Get to know the incredible open-air museums of Turkey with us!
Göreme: A must-see in Cappadocia
Surrounded by valleys and fairy chimneys, Goreme is one of the most popular places for tourists in Cappadocia. In this impressive place, you should visit historic churches, valleys, and national parks. Also, watching the balloons that covering the sky in the morning is just as exciting as being in it.
Historic churches that will amaze you!
- The first Christians who escaped from Rome and took refuge in Cappadocia built very important churches here, and Cappadocia became one of the important places for Christianity.
- The First Church we will tell is Tokali church. Unique frescoes on the walls of Tokali church, the oldest rock church in the region, shed light on the art of the period. Frescoes from the 10th century are the most important feature of this church.
- Elmalı church, a small cave church, was built in the middle of the 11th century. It was made in the shape of four crosses. Some parts of its walls, covered with scenes from the Bible, could not resist the time, unfortunately, they were spilled.
- The Saint Barbara Church is one of the important churches in this area. This church, whose construction dates back to the 11th century, was made in the shape of a cross. Its walls have rich geometric motifs, mythological animals, and military symbols.
- The Serpent Church, which takes its name from the painting of St. George The Dragon Slayer on the wall, was built in the early 11th century. Compared to other churches, this church, whose drawings on the wall are well preserved, was made with a free Greek cross plan.
- The last place we will tell is the Monastery of Gümüşler, one of the best-preserved structures in this region. The scenes on its walls, drawn by 3 different painters, were drawn in the early 11th century. It is where the fresco of the smiling Virgin Mary was first seen.
When you come here, you will have a wonderful experience with the atmosphere of these mystical churches! Let’s join this incredible journey with us!
Horse riding in the land of beautiful horses, and Hiking in Cappadocia
Another thing you should do in this place of historical and natural beauty is horse riding and hiking. Horse riding is integrated with the name of this place because the Persian word Cappadocia means a country of beautiful horses. Enjoy exploring this mysterious place on horseback. Don’t worry if you’ve never ridden before, because professionals will help you, you will experience this unique chance without danger.
If you want to get away from the crowd and be alone with yourself while making a historical journey in this place, where you will feel like you have entered another world, we recommend hiking. The valleys in the area are a great option for hiking. Whether you go for a fun walk with your friends or enjoy this romantic atmosphere with your lover!
Beautiful Places that you must visit in Cappadocia: Last Word
What about having a virtual trip to Red and Rose Valley with us? This valley, named after its red rose color in daylight, is one of the most beautiful places in Cappadocia where you can enjoy nature. Everyone needs to see this natural wonder!
- Three Beauties, consisting of two large and one small fairy chimneys, remind you of a small family when you first see it. It’s almost a shame to pass here without being photographed because this is the most photographed place in Cappadocia.
- Paşabağı Valley, which is at the beginning of the most visited valleys, admires those who see it. You must not cross this valley, decorated by fairy chimneys, without seeing it.
- The village of Çavuşin, where Christian priests lived in their time, has been preserving its authenticity for years with its stone houses. The authenticity of this village, which has a lot of churches, is still like the first day, and it is definitely worth seeing.
- Uçhisar, located at the highest point of Cappadocia, is another point we want you to see. Especially when you go to Uchisar Castle, you will see all of Cappadocia.
- Urgup, the largest settlement in Cappadocia, is 20 km from the city center. You won’t be able to get enough of this magical place because every street is full of history.
- Avanos is a very important place in terms of art and tourism, with a river passing through the middle. And you shouldn’t leave here without drinking wine.
- You should visit the mausoleum of Haji Bektash Veli, one of the greatest thinkers in the history of Islam.
- Last, but not least, Saruhan Caravanserai is a Silk Road caravanserai. It fascinates those who see it both from a historical and architectural point of view. It has the characteristic of 13 century Seljuk architecture.
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