Cappadocia is a magical, intriguing, mysterious place where nature and history integrate.
I’ve wanted to go to this magical place for a long time. and it was one of my dreams to take a balloon and watch Cappadocia from the sky. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get into the balloon because it was winter and the weather was bad. but I still enjoyed seeing different and historical places.
I recommend you to rent a car to visit here. It will definitely help you to travel more comfortably.
Cappadocia, 60 million years ago, Erciyes, Hasandagi and Gulludag’s lava and ashes formed by the soft layers formed by millions of years of rain and wind eroded.
These lands, where the Hittites lived, became one of the most important centers of Christianity. In order to get rid of the pressure of the Roman Empire, they built houses and churches by carving the rocks. Because the people were exposed to a lot of attacks, they built huge cities underneath these houses, which were carved into each other. The people who used it as a shelter could survive for a long time with their supplies, water sources and ventilation chimneys. Only 36 of the underground cities, presumably based on 200, are currently recognized. It is unusual for people to dig so much, to carve out the rocks and make them a living space, even to think that they have built shelters that can go down 7 to 8 times.
One thing I can recommend especially before your trips is to have a “Museum Card” with you. You can enter many places with this card. If you did not buy before going to Cappadocia, Goreme is sold at the entrance of the Open Air Museum. For your information 🙂
Goreme Panorama
The panorama area, which is 2km away from Goreme, shows a wonderful view with a height of 3917 m. Another feature of this landscape is the wish trees adorned with evil eye beads. In Goreme Panaroma cafes, you can have a drink against the view, take lots of photos, and even tie your bead to a wish tree.
Goreme Open Air Museum
It is a huge city that has been home to monastic life from the 4th century to the 13th century and has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage list since 6 December 1985. When you come in, churches, kitchens, dining areas meet you, but of course all of them with the carving of stone has brought the traces of thousands of years of civilization to the present day.
The moment you take your first step, it’s enveloping you in such a spell that I remember saying, “Oh, my God.” Those magnificent carved structures, ornaments, detailed and eye-catching drawings in churches. You try to visualize how people live life. Their lives in the stones, their cooked meals, their shared tables. Everything is incredible.
Pasabag Priests Valley
When the volcanoes came into operation 60 million years ago, these wonderfully capped structures emerged with their ashes, lava and wind-changing shapes. Because of their appearance, the public called these buildings “fairy chimneys”.
Immerse yourself in these magnificent structures. Examine different structures. Who knows, maybe you can see the Smurfs like us 🙂
Devrent Valley
You can enjoy the beautiful scenery by wandering among these famous structures that are likened to an animal, human or an object.
Zelve Valley
The Zelve Valley, where you can see the fairy chimney structures here, is also one of the most important religious centers of Christians. If you want to take a long walk you can choose here.
Uchisar Castle
This castle, which served as a military base for Roman, Seljuk and Ottoman times, is the highest structure of Cappadocia. If you want to lay the whole view under your feet, Uchisar Castle is the right address. After entering the turnstile you can go up to the top of the castle with the stairs you can enjoy the view.
Nevsehir
It is an Anatolian city with extraordinary historical and natural values. The people of the city are known for agriculture, pottery and delicious wines. While you are here, make sure to visit the famous Guray Museum. Here you will see wonderful artifacts and historical pieces. Two more things to do Nevsehir. The first one is a visit to one of the pottery masters. You can try to do something like me. certainly not easy. I must say that 🙂
This beautiful landscape is also the gift of the last day.
I recommend you a nice restorant.
Lil’a Restaurant. Really a very magical place. Dishes are very delicious. They offer the best examples of Turkish cuisine, the most special tastes of Anatolia and the traditional flavors of Cappadocia. Don’t forget to book before you go.
Have a nice trip. I hope you enjoy it.
