Cappadocia

Cappadocia
The official name for this entry is: Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia. It lies in the mid-western part of Turkey.

The extraordinary landscape was formed millions of years ago, the combined work of lava spitting vulcanoes, wind and water.

Besides the natural phenomenom, there is culture too: the inhabitants of the area hew rooms, chapels, even whole villages out of the rocks. Religious Byzantine paintings can be found on the walls of the churches and monasteries.

Year Decision Comments
1985 Inscribed Reasons for inscription



Visit July 1992

Coming from Eastern Turkey, Cappadocia is like arriving back in the western world. It is probably close enough to the coast to attract a lot of tourists. Despite this, Cappadocia is a beautiful place.

Stay a few days, walk around and discover!

Reviews

Ben Pastore (USA):
Words can't really describe this moonscape of both natural and man-made sculptures of rock. Troglodyte dwellings of generations past are fun to wander through and their architectural style can best be described as early Dr. Suess. A balloon ride, though expensive is beyond worth the price as the surreal landscape will take the breath away from even the most jaded traveler. My own recommendation is to stay in a cave hotel for a unique and fun way to spend the night.
 
Glenn Austerfield (Texas, USA):
visited in 2000 Went via bus from Egirdir.

The area is unique, with so much to see; the underground cities, the carved churches, the natural rock formations. One of the highlights of our trip to Turkey
Date posted: March 2006
Robert Peters (USA):
Cappadocia is about a five hour bus ride from the capital city of Ankara, where I currently live. Having been there a few times, I have to say that it is unique in the world, let alone in Turkey. The churches are great, but there is much more in the region than that. Underground cities, rustic village life, and a fantastic geological history make this place a must see. My personal favorite is just walking around Zelve. Enjoy!
Date posted: February 2006
Steve (USA):
the cave churches in Goreme are fantastic. i visited in July 04. it's not too hot in this part of Turkey in summer. the Turks are the kindest people i've met in the world and you will feel safe and welcome wherever you travel. the WHS takes about 1/2 to do justice to. try to drive there. walking from town is a trek. it only costs about $5 to see it all. while the site has sidewalks near the rock churches, you need to climb up lots of stairs and crawl into places to really see it fully. Goreme town itself is an amazing site itself. try to stay in one of the "fairy chinney" hotels in town-- like nothing else. Also, spring for a balloon ride to see the whole valley of wonders.
 
Rosalinda Carrey (USA):
Unique!
It is an unbeliviable site to visit and live!
I have been leaving here for the last 2 years and I am still discovering new places...
 


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