The landscape formed 60 million years ago by ashes from different mountains and erosion of soft layers of lava is one of Turkey’s most famous natural wonders. Volcanic eruptions followed by natural erosion have created an incredible landscape of valleys, craters and fairy chimneys (the tall pillars with little caps on).
Let’s explore…
Goreme Valley
Göreme, located in Cappadocia’s Nevşehir Province, sits among the region’s famous fairy chimney rock formations at an elevation of 1,100 meters. The surrounding landscape, shaped by thousands of years of volcanic erosion, forms part of Göreme Valley National Park, where visitors can explore valleys filled with some of the earliest Byzantine rock-cut churches.
Pasabag (Monks Valley)
Pasabag (Monks Valley), a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its striking fairy chimneys and rock-cut churches that once housed monks. Nearby Zelve Valley features some of the region’s most impressive cone-shaped formations and abandoned rock-carved homes, along with a Seljuk-style mosque. Several historic churches, including Balıklı, Üzümlü, and Geyikli, remain in the valley.
Devrent Valley
Devrent Valley is also called Imagination Valley.
The erosion over time has left rock formations that include ‘Fairy Chimneys’, appearing as rock towers, tent rocks, animals or imaginary people. It is a unique valley in this region, and if you have the time, you can also take a walking tour through the Valley, but be careful as some slopes are slippery.
Three Beauties Valley
The iconic “Three ‘Graces’ fairy chimneys in Ürgüp depict the Legend of the Three Beauties, symbolising a Princess, her shepherd’s husband and their child killed by her father (the King) as he didn’t allow them to marry. This Valley is also famous for its wine factories and stunning views, including Mount Erciyes.
Göreme Open Air Museum
The Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, features a remarkable collection of rock-carved churches with 10th-century Byzantine frescoes. The complex includes churches, chapels, dining halls, and living spaces carved into the rock. Highlights include the Dark Church, Snake Church, Chapel of St Basil, Chapel of St Barbara, and Sandal Church. Allow about two hours to explore, and note that photography is not permitted inside the churches.
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