Are you ready to discover the dazzling beauties of Turkey? If your answer is “yes”, then welcome to the fascinating world of Cappadocia and this article on places to visit in Cappadocia!
Cappadocia is a unique geography not only for its historical or natural richness but also for its cultural and mystical world. There are even underground cities, fairy chimneys, unique rock formations and historical churches in this special geography. Cappadocia is also famous for its unforgettable hot air balloon tours and breathtaking views.
But first, let’s take a look at where to visit in Cappadocia and what are the most famous places in Cappadocia! Are you ready to travel together to the mysterious and magical world of Cappadocia? Then, grab your backpack right now and fall under the spell of this fairytale land with Village Cave House!
Places to visit in Avanos, Cappadocia
It is possible to examine the geography of Cappadocia separately in many regions. At the very beginning of these regions, Avanos, located 18 km north of Nevşehir, welcomes us. Avanos, Venessa in ancient times, is also referred to as Enes and Evenez in Ottoman documents.
On the other hand, it is known that this district, which is known to have an average population of 35 thousand today, has been making pottery with the wheel since the Hittites. In fact, this creative handicraft has been passed down from tribe to tribe and then from father to son until today. Another important form of production in the district is viticulture and agriculture. The grapes collected from this region, which are known to have a very high sugar content, are both used as table grapes and stored in caves and special warehouses for wine production. But what are the places to visit in Cappadocia Avanos?
Here are some of these special places:
1. Zelve Open Air Museum
Zelve Open Air Museum – Source: muze.gov.tr
Zelve, located 5 km from Avanos, is built on the northern slopes of Aktepe and is one of the regions where fairy chimneys are most densely seen. It was one of the most important religious settlements of Christians especially in the 9th and 13th centuries. It is also known that the first religious seminars of the priests of that period were held in this region.
On the other hand, Zelve open-air museum; It also includes the churches of Balıklı, Üzümlü and Geyikli belonging to the iconoclastic period. Moreover, there is also a chapel built in the name of St. Simeon.
The fairy chimneys, conical mounds and rock caves in the region are also home to the characteristic rock formations of Cappadocia. These unique natural formations have served as human refuges and settlements for thousands of years. Visitors can observe and photograph these magnificent rock formations up close. But of course, as one of the most important examples of sustainable tourism, great importance is also attached to the protection of this region and visitors are guided to protect and respect the environment.
2. Özkonak Underground City
Özkonak Underground City – Photo Source: Nevsehir.gov.tr
Özkonak underground city is another impressive structure that reflects the rich history of Cappadocia. This historical city is a place where people have used as protection, shelter and living space for thousands of years and is a remarkable formation in terms of helping people survive during wars or natural disasters.
On the other hand, this underground city is not only a reflection of Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys on the surface, but also a fascinating example of underground structures. With its tunnel systems, rooms, corridors and even churches, it offers its visitors a magnificent historical journey experience.
Özkonak region has also been home to various civilizations throughout history. According to the studies of archaeologists, it was the center of a federation of 24 principalities called “Kabal” and local principalities during the late Hittite period. It was later included in the territory of the Persians and the Roman Empire during the Hellenistic period. Remains from these periods and the temple of Zeus are important traces reflecting this rich historical heritage.
Places to Visit in Cappadocia Çavuşin
The Çavuşin area is actually one of the villages of Avanos district, but it is remarkable because it contains an important part of the Zelve Open Air Museum. The old part of the village is spread out on and around a large hill, which can be seen from a distance. However, most of the modern houses were moved in the early 1960s and positioned towards the main road.
The village, like the whole of Cappadocia, witnessed the early Christian period and was even crowned with the name Kodessane by Christians for a period, according to the data of the Church of St. John, which it contains. But if you are wondering what are the places to visit in Cappadocia Çavuşin; here is the answer:
1. Valley of the Monks (Paşabağı)
Valley of the Priests (Paşabağı) – Photo Source: Nevsehir.gov.tr
Known as the Valley of the Monks or Paşabağı, this formation is also famous for its local mythology and legends. For example, it takes its name from a legendary story and according to this rumor; the fairy chimneys in this valley were used by priests and monks living in Cappadocia in ancient times. This is precisely why this region is called the “Valley of the Monks”.
The Valley of the Monks (Paşabağı) is the result of thousands of years of erosion of soft volcanic rocks called tuff, and just like other natural formations in Cappadocia, it is covered with a unique pattern and natural architecture.
While exploring this unique destination, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the history, mythology and natural beauty of Cappadocia up close and discover the deep secrets and magic of the Valley of the Priests. Moreover, for guests of Village Cave House, this unique formation is a very comfortable journey as it is located just before reaching Zelve on the Göreme road.
2. Çavuşin Church
Çavuşin Church – Photo Source: Turkishmuseums.com
Çavuşin Church is a two-storey formation carved into the rock and is located on the Avanos- Göreme road. Located only 2.5 km from Goreme, this unique historical heritage is worth seeing for its monk’s rooms on the lower floor and its natural patterned stairs. Today, it is supported by iron stairs to renew the touristic experience.
On the other hand, the main architectural feature that makes this church so important is the narthex of the church, which has a very high single nave, barrel vault, and three apses. This narthex is surrounded by depictions of archangels, but although the narthex has been destroyed over time, the images of Emperor Nicephorus Phocas and his wife Theophano are still visible today.
Today, Cavusin Church is therefore a popular destination for tourists and history buffs. This historic building offers a fascinating experience for visitors who want to discover the unique atmosphere of Cappadocia and its Christian heritage.
Places to visit in Goreme, Cappadocia
Cappadocia Goreme is a tourist destination in its own right, with many of the sights in Goreme delighting all tourists and even the locals. This town, which is connected to the center of Nevşehir province, was first mentioned in history with the name “Korama” in a 6th century document. On the other hand, Goreme, which is considered the heart of Cappadocia, means that the breathtaking views of fairy chimneys are just a step away. You can also easily reach the main sights of Cappadocia via Goreme.
While exploring the mystical atmosphere and unique geography of Cappadocia, you can experience the local culture and visit historic churches, underground cities and open-air museums. Finally, with the difference of Village Cave House, Goreme is the perfect starting point for those who want to see the region from a bird’s eye view with hot air balloons. What are the closest touristic spots in this region? Let’s transfer it immediately:
1. Valley of Love
Love Valley – Photo Source: Cappadocia.edu.gov.tr
This region, known as the Valley of Love or the Valley of Lovers, embraces you as a natural wonder. Because this geography, which has a total length of 4900 meters, is a unique structure of fairy chimneys with different sizes and colors. Walking along the valley of love will lead you to a unique experience that has inspired the human imagination with its hat-like appearance, vineyards, fruit trees and tuff cliffs.
On the other hand, the only reason why this natural area has become a romantic symbol of Cappadocia is because of the mysterious and warm atmosphere it harbors. It is a favorite not only for couples or families, but also for scientists and nature enthusiasts.
Göreme Open Air Museum
Göreme Open Air Museum – Photo Source: Kulturportalı.gov.tr
Göreme Open Air Museum is also described as the first place where monastic education began between the 4th and 13th centuries AD. But that’s not all, as it is also known as a monastic complex with several churches, cemeteries, chapels, refectories and wine cellars.
While some of the aforementioned sections are closed to visitors due to the danger of collapse, many notable churches and chapels are open to tourists. Some of these include:
St. Basil’s Chapel – Photo Source: Cappadociaalan.ktb.gov.tr
- St. Basil’s Chapel; It was carved and decorated with frescoes for the use of Christian monks. It is also dated to the 11th century. There is a portrait of Jesus Christ on the main apse, depictions of Mary and the child Jesus on the front side, and depictions of St. Theodore on a horse on the north wall. In this respect, it is worth seeing both historically and artistically.
Elmalı Church – Photo Source: Kulturportali.gov.tr
- Elmalı Church; It is a Byzantine church from the 10th century and takes its name from the apple figures on the ceiling. Thanks to the frescoes and other details it contains, it tells the history of Christianity in detail with its religious figures and sacred events.
- St. Barbara Chapel; it also bears the religious figures of the Byzantine period and especially the interior of the chapel is decorated with the most beautiful frescoes of its period. For this reason, it can be easily shown among the places that depict Christian scenes and sacred figures in detail.
- The Chapel of St. Catherine is one of the chapels dating back to the 11th century. Deesis in the apse, the fathers of the church (Gregory, Basil, John Chrysostom) in medallions, St. George, St. Theodore and St. Catherine on the south wall of the north cross arm and other saints are depicted.
Serpent Church – Photo Source: kulturportalı.gov.tr
- The Church of the Serpents dates back to the 9th century and contains depictions of the Resurrection of Lazarus and the Entrance into Jerusalem, although they are no longer extant. On the west wall are four women attacked by snakes, from which the church takes its name.
Dark Church – Photo Source: muze.gov.tr
- The Dark Church dates from the late 11th and early 12th centuries and contains more than 20 depictions. Its value today is that these depictions are still on display.
Çarıklı Church – Photo Source: kulturportali.gov.tr
- Although it dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries, the Church of Çarıklı has preserved the Torah scene showing the hospitality of Prophet Abraham and the depictions of the Saint and the Bani very well. For this reason, it has a serious importance for tourists and enthusiasts.
Places to visit in Uçhisar, Cappadocia
Uçhisar, one of the spectacular beauties of Cappadocia, is a town in the province of Nevsehir, Turkey. This unique region is a small town with a population of around a thousand people. Also, similar to other towns, Uchisar is located in a spectacular location surrounded by fairy chimneys formed from the high tuff rocks of Cappadocia. The most remarkable feature of the town is a historical castle built on the summit of the large fairy chimney known as Uchisar Castle. If you are wondering what are the places to visit in Uçhisar in Cappadocia, you can browse the titles below for Uçhisar Castle and Güvercinlik Valley.
1. Uçhisar Castle
Uçhisar Castle – Photo Source: Kulturportalı.gov.tr
This unique castle is carved into the tuff cliffs and offers a spectacular view over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Of great historical and cultural importance, Uçhisar Castle is one of the oldest castles in the region used for defense purposes. When you climb to the top, it is possible to watch the breathtaking views of the region and observe the fascinating nature of Cappadocia from a bird’s eye view.
On the other hand, Uçhisar Castle, which we mentioned above that it was used both as a surveillance fortress and a defense fortress, maintained its importance during the Seljuk and Principalities periods. In addition, there were people living in and around it until the 1960s. For this reason, it is one of the oldest but intact structures that have survived to the present day.
2. Pigeon Valley
Pigeon Valley – Photo Source: Nevsehir.gov.tr
Pigeon Valley is a valley surrounded by the region’s magnificent fairy chimneys and tuff rocks. It is named after the pigeon houses used in the valley for hundreds of years. It has also played an important role in the geography and history of Cappadocia. It is known that the caves in this valley were originally used to shelter pigeons and pigeon dung was an important source for agriculture.
The valley starts from Uçhisar and extends to Göreme and covers an area of 4 kilometers. There is also a waterfall flowing from a height of 15 meters in the valley.
Places to visit in Cappadocia Urgup
Urgup is one of the largest settlements in the region with a population of approximately 30 thousand people. This historic district is located in the center of Cappadocia and is one of the tourist attractions of the region. It is also known as one of the centers of wine production in the region. It is a popular starting point for visitors wishing to explore the unique geographical and cultural features of Cappadocia and is one of the centers of the region’s historical and touristic heritage. But what are the places to visit in Cappadocia Urgup, let’s answer immediately:
1. Gomeda Valley
The Gomeda valley is located 5km from Urgup and starts in a region called Mustafakemalpaşa. The valley can be reached from inside the village, and there is a dirt road that breaks to the west and continues for 2 km before reaching the village, and it is possible to reach the valley via this road. On the other hand, the main element that makes the Gomeda Valley so special and causes it to attract tourists frequently is the Alakara and St. Basilios Churches. These churches are remarkable not only for the depictions they contain, but also for the names of the people these depictions represent written on the crosses.
2. Temenni Hill
Temenni Hill – Photo Source: Kulturportalı.gov.tr
One of the unique beauties of Cappadocia, Temenni Hill is famous for its spectacular views of fairy chimneys and hot air balloon rides. The name of this hill comes from the belief that visitors make their wishes here. Early in the morning, climbing up Temenni Hill to view the stunning natural beauty of Cappadocia and watching the hot air balloons soar overhead is an unforgettable experience. This mesmerizing view from the top inspires visitors to explore the enchanting atmosphere of Cappadocia.
Source
- Cappadociahistory.com. (2020, September 3). St. John the Baptist Kilisesi (Çavuşin). Cappadocia History: https://www.cappadociahistory.com/post/st-john-the-baptist-church-%C3%A7avu%C5%9Fin adresinden alındı
- Kültür Portalı. (2023, Kasım 4). Kulturportalı.gov.tr: https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/nevsehir/genelbilgiler adresinden alındı
- Turkishmuseums.com. (tarih yok). Nevşehir Çavuşin Kilisesi. Turkish Museums: https://turkishmuseums.com/museum/detail/2202-nevsehir-cavusin-kilisesi/2202/1 adresinden alındı
- Ürgüp Belediyesi Temenni Tepesi. (tarih yok). Ürgüp Belediyesi: https://www.urgup.bel.tr/kesfedin/temenni-tepesi adresinden alındı
