Discover Magical Cappadocia – The Land of Fairy Chimneys

Turkey may have hundreds, if not thousands, of enthralling attractions, but none outperforms Cappadocia. Natural forces have sculpted the region’s landscape over millions of years, creating one of the world’s most unique and breathtaking regions. Today, Cappadocia resembles a scene from a science fiction film, complete with exotic and stunning formations. These include breathtaking fairy chimneys, towering rock citadels, breathtaking valleys, and much more.

Humans have also contributed to the region’s allure. They have carved impressive underground cities, rock-cut homes, and churches with beautiful frescoes into the landscape. They’ve also built idyllic towns with lovely architecture and culture.

As a result, the region is a wonderful collection of magnificent attractions with plenty to see. If you’re not sure where to begin, here’s a list of the most popular attractions in Cappadocia.

Hot Air Ballooning

Hot air ballooning is the most exciting and breathtaking activity in Cappadocia. This activity draws millions of tourists each year, who get to enjoy a breathtaking aerial view of the Cappadocian landscape. Every morning, hundreds of hot air balloons rise against the backdrop of the sky and the rising sun, creating one of the most spectacular sights in the world.

Goreme Open Air Museum

This magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site, widely regarded as the region’s crown jewel, is home to some of the best rock-cut churches in the region. The site was founded in the 10th century by Christian monks and hermits looking for a quiet religious life during the Byzantine era.

Amazing frescoes decorate the open-air museum’s churches, which are the best preserved in the region. As a result, tourists in their thousands flock to Goreme Open Air Museum to see these famous churches and their impressive decorations.

The Elmali Kilise (Apple Church), famous for its Ascension fresco, the Yilanli Kilise (Snake Church) with a painting of St. George, the Karanlik Kilise (Dark Church) with incredibly preserved frescoes, the Azize Barbara Sapeli (Chapel of St. Barbara) with red ochre decorations, and the Tokai Kilise are the most important cave churches in the complex (Buckle Church).

Hiking & Horseriding

Visitors can engage in a variety of fun and exciting activities in addition to visiting the region’s numerous physical attractions. Hiking and horseback riding are two of them. There are numerous winding hiking trails in Cappadocia’s valleys and formations, and some even allow you to ‘hike’ on horseback. However, due to the rocky terrain, you will need some experience before jumping on a horse.

Goreme Town

If you were asked to imagine the ideal cave town, you would probably picture Goreme town. This small town is one of the most picture-perfect villages in the world, having been named one of the most beautiful villages in the world several times. It sits in the cutest way possible, half-buried into the side of a hill with many cave rooms hidden beneath.

And, unlike most abandoned cave towns, Goreme has a thriving human population. As a result, it has become a tourist destination, with hundreds of guest houses, hotels, and luxury spas carved directly into the wall. Many visitors to Cappadocia stay in this town because it serves as an excellent base for exploring the region’s other attractions. Walking through Goreme’s beautiful streets is also an attraction in and of itself.

Ihlara Valley

If you find joy in nature, Cappadocia is the place for you. This 100-meter-deep gorge provides one of the most relaxing and refreshing tours in Cappadocia. The hiking trail here runs for 14 kilometers along a quiet river surrounded by lush green trees and fertile farming plots, with the occasional stop at a lovely riverside restaurant where visitors can get refreshments.

Monks and hermits carved churches into the cliff face during the Byzantine period. Hiking the rugged cliffs through a series of stairs carved into the valley allows visitors to explore these historical sites. Kirk Dam Alti Kilise (St. George Church), Kokar Kilise (Fragrant Church), and Yilanli Kilise are the best cave churches in the valley (Snake Church).

Red and Rose Valleys

This beautiful valley is located between the towns of Goreme and Cavusin. The valley appears to be a giant palette from above due to the different colored (pastel pink, yellow, and orange) rock faces rippling across the surface. These were formed over millions of years of exposure to the elements.

Local farmers grow lush green orchards between the cliffs, adding to the valley’s rich color. There are dozens of churches and dwellings hidden within the canyon. Visitors must follow hiking trails marked in the valley to reach these churches and enjoy the rich frescoes in some of them.

Kaymakli Underground City

While Goreme is a charming cave town on the surface, there are numerous other rock-carved towns beneath the ground. Kaymakli Underground is arguably the most impressive in Cappadocia, if not Turkey. This massive ghost town is a maze of impressive rooms and tunnels that descends eight levels into the ground. Only four of these levels are open to the public, but tourists still flock to the city to experience life in an underground town. Inside are churches, sleeping quarters, stables, wine cellars, and schools, as one would expect in a typical village. When fully populated, it could support a population of up to 2,000 people.

Kaymakli is thought to date back to the Hittite period, though this is still debated. According to experts, the Byzantine Christians made the best use of the city as a safe haven from invading Arabs and Persians. They also expanded the city, making it the largest underground city in Cappadocia.

Zelve Open Air Museum

Another intriguing work left behind by the early Cappadocians is this open-air museum. The area is densely packed with dwellings and churches carved directly into the rocks. It was once home to one of the largest communities in the region, where people of all faiths coexisted peacefully. When living in the valley became dangerous due to the high risk of erosion, the last inhabitants of the village were evacuated in the 1950s.

Today, the museum is home to a ghost town spanning three valleys. In addition to the cave dwellings, there are a few churches, a monastic complex, and a lovely little rock-cut mosque in the valleys. Visiting here is a fantastic experience, particularly if you enjoy hiking and trekking.

Cavusin

Cavusin is another charming village in Cappadocia, but its main draw is two beautiful Byzantine churches. Cavusin Church is the name of the first church. The church was used as a local pigeon house, also known as a big pigeon house, in the early twentieth century. Despite this, the interior of the church retains the stunning frescoes used by the builders to decorate it.

The other church (the Church of St. John the Baptist) is located higher up the ridge above town and is thought to be the oldest in Cappadocia. It doesn’t have many decorations, but the size and columns are impressive.

Plan your trip to Cappadocia and book a hotel room in Göreme

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