Things to do in Cappadocia

The towns of Cappadocia each have their own unique flavour and appeal, so visitors exploring the region will have plenty of activities and sightseeing opportunities to enjoy. The town of Goreme is certainly a must see attraction in Cappadocia, with its fairy Chimneys, wonderful hotels, restaurants, carpet merchants and beautiful antique shops. The friendly residents openly welcome tourists to their little town, so this would be a good place to start an adventure through the Cappadocia countryside.

Like Goreme, the many other enchanting villages in the region are carved out of the hillsides and each will hold their own little treasures: Byzantine rock-cut churches with dazzling frescoes and labyrinthine underground cities, where early Christians once hid from invaders. With so much history and truly unique landscape and architecture, Cappadocia really is a magical wonderland that both nature-lovers and history-buffs can appreciate.

Goreme Open-Air Museum photo

Goreme Open-Air Museum

The Goreme Open-Air Museum is the most visited of the monastic communities in Cappadocia and is one of the most famous sites in central Turkey. It is a complex comprising more than…

Goreme Open-Air Museum

The Goreme Open-Air Museum is the most visited of the monastic communities in Cappadocia and is one of the most famous sites in central Turkey. It is a complex comprising more than 30 rock-hewn churches and chapels, which contain some superb frescoes, dating from the 9th to the 11th centuries. Inconspicuous from the outside, the interiors are characteristically Byzantine with a central dome and a floor plan in the shape of a cross. The three columned churches, the Elmali, Karanlik, and Carikli churches are the best known, and are superbly painted. The largest and best preserved is the Tokali Church, its interior walls covered in some of the richest frescoes in the region, depicting scenes from the New Testament.

Underground Cities of Cappadocia photo

Underground Cities of Cappadocia

Cappadocia was overlooked by most as a dusty and barren landscape, making it a perfect refuge for the Christians who established the first communities here. They carved chambers, v…

Underground Cities of Cappadocia

Cappadocia was overlooked by most as a dusty and barren landscape, making it a perfect refuge for the Christians who established the first communities here. They carved chambers, vaults, and labyrinthine tunnels into the soft volcanic rock for use as churches, stables, and homes. Of the 40 underground settlements, Derinkuyu and Kaymakli are the biggest and most interesting, inhabited by Christians fleeing persecution in the 7th century from Arab invasions. These cities were well-hidden complexes, a safe and self-sufficient environment that could accommodate up to 30,000 people. The most thoroughly excavated is Derinkuyu, consisting of eight floors with stables, a school room and dining hall, churches, kitchens, living quarters, wine cellars, store rooms, and a dungeon. Original airshafts still function and the maze of tunnels and rooms are well lit.

Goreme photo

Goreme

The small town of Goreme is situated in the middle of the Valley of Fairy Chimneys, surrounded by the eerie shapes and fantastic rock formations that have made the region famous. I…

Goreme

The small town of Goreme is situated in the middle of the Valley of Fairy Chimneys, surrounded by the eerie shapes and fantastic rock formations that have made the region famous. It is one of the few remaining villages where fairy chimneys and rock-hewn houses are still inhabited, and several restaurants and cafes are carved into the rock. Its biggest attraction is the Goreme Open-Air Museum, which has over 30 beautifully frescoed Byzantine rock churches. The town makes an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding rock formations, villages, and vineyards. For shoppers, carpets and kilims are plentiful.