Cappadocia - Kapadokya is a historical region located in central Türkiye, famous for its unique landscape of fairy chimneys, ancient cave dwellings, and underground cities. The region's geological formations were created by volcanic eruptions, and over time, wind and water have sculpted the soft rock into fantastical shapes. Cappadocia's history dates back to ancient times, and the region has been home to many civilizations, including the Hittites, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. Today, Cappadocia is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning scenery, outdoor activities, traditional Turkish cuisine, and rich cultural heritage.
In this blogpost we will be sharing the places we recommend you to visit when you visit Cappadocia.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is a must-do experience for anyone visiting the region. Cappadocia's unique landscape of fairy chimneys, valleys, and rock formations is best seen from the sky, and a hot air balloon ride offers breathtaking views of this stunning region. The balloon rides usually take place early in the morning, just before sunrise, when the air is calm and the light is perfect for photography. The experience typically lasts for around an hour, and you'll be able to see the sun rising over the horizon, casting a beautiful golden light over the landscape.
Underground cities
Cappadocia is home to several underground cities, which were used as hiding places by early Christians to escape persecution. The underground cities were carved out of the soft volcanic rock by hand, and some of them are several levels deep, with living quarters, kitchens, churches, and ventilation systems. Two of the most popular underground cities in Cappadocia are Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, both of which are open to visitors. Derinkuyu is the deepest underground city in Cappadocia, reaching a depth of 85 meters and accommodating around 20,000 people. Kaymakli is not as deep as Derinkuyu, but it is more extensive, with over 100 tunnels and several levels. Both underground cities offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient past and are a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the early Christians who built them. Visitors can explore the underground cities on guided tours, which provide insights into the history and architecture of these remarkable structures.
The Goreme Open-Air Museum
The Goreme Open-Air Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Cappadocia. The museum is a collection of cave churches and monasteries carved out of the soft volcanic rock, and it contains some of the best-preserved examples of Byzantine frescoes in the world. The churches and monasteries date back to the 10th, 11th, and 12th centuries, and they offer a fascinating glimpse into the religious and cultural history of the region. The most famous churches in the museum include the Karanlik Kilise (Dark Church), which is named for its lack of natural light and contains some of the most beautiful frescoes in Cappadocia, and the Tokali Kilise (Buckle Church), which is the largest and most impressive church in the museum. The Goreme Open-Air Museum is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can explore the site on guided tours, which provide insights into the history and architecture of these remarkable structures.
The Avanos Pottery Workshop
The Avanos Pottery Workshop is a traditional pottery workshop located in the town of Avanos in Cappadocia. Avanos has a long history of pottery making, dating back to the Hittite period, and the town's location on the banks of the Red River makes it an ideal place for clay extraction. The pottery workshop offers visitors the opportunity to learn about traditional Turkish pottery making techniques and to see skilled craftsmen at work. Visitors can also try their hand at making pottery, under the guidance of experienced potters. The pottery workshop produces a wide range of products, including decorative vases, plates, bowls, and figurines, which are sold in the workshop's showroom.
The Pasabag Valley
The Pasabag Valley, also known as Monks Valley is known for its unique landscape of fairy chimneys, which are tall, cone-shaped rock formations with a bulbous top that resemble mushrooms. The fairy chimneys in Pasabag Valley are particularly unusual because they have multiple stems, which has led to the name "Monks Valley," as the formations resemble groups of monks huddled together in prayer. The valley is also home to several cave dwellings and rock-cut churches, some of which date back to the 10th and 11th centuries. Visitors can explore the valley on foot, taking in the stunning scenery and marveling at the unusual rock formations. There are also several cafes and restaurants in the area where visitors can relax and enjoy the view.
Hope you have enjoyed it. Stay tuned for more blogposts about historical places in Türkiye!