Top 20 Natural Monuments in Nevşehir

The Goreme Open Air Museum is among the top must-see attractions in Cappadocia, Turkey, located in the valley of the same name. With its stunning hot air balloons, fairy chimneys, and underground cities, this cave site is among the main reasons travelers visit this region.

This castle, located in the center of Ortahisar, is one of the earliest multi-story settlements in the world. It provided shelter and asylum to historic Silk Road caravans during the Hittite period. This large, fairy-chimney-shaped castle was first carved by the Hittites, and in later periods, it was enlarged and new floors were excavated to higher levels, necessitating expansion. It has been used by the Romans, Byzantines, Seleucids, and Ottomans to this day. When Ishak Pasha, one of the commanders of Fatih Sultan Mehmet's army, marched into Cilicia with his army in 1470, he captured the castles of Bashisar, Ortahisar, Uchisar, and Nigde, effectively ending the Karamanid Principality and placing it under Ottoman rule.

The castle costs 320 TL for foreigners, with no rate for students. The visit is pleasant but quick. Beautiful 360° view of the valleys.

Also walk along the top of the valley

As so often, go early because of the crowds

The higher you go, the busier it gets

Cappadocia: A Land Forged by Volcanoes and Time Nestled in the heart of Central Anatolia, Turkey, Cappadocia is a region of breathtaking natural beauty and profound historical significance. Its otherworldly landscape, characterized by towering "fairy chimneys," intricate cave dwellings, and vast underground cities, tells a story of millions of years of geological processes and millennia of human ingenuity. The Geological Masterpiece: Fairy Chimneys The most iconic feature of Cappadocia is undoubtedly its unique rock formations, affectionately known as "fairy chimneys." These conical or mushroom-shaped pillars are the result of ancient volcanic eruptions. Millions of years ago, volcanoes like Mount Erciyes, Hasan Dağı, and Melendiz Dağı blanketed the region with soft volcanic tuff. Over time, erosion by wind and water sculpted this soft rock, leaving behind harder, more resistant basalt caps that protected the softer tuff below, forming the distinctive chimneys we see today. The valleys of Göreme, Pasabag (Monks Valley), and Devrent (Imagination Valley) offer some of the most spectacular examples of these geological wonders, with formations resembling everything from animals to abstract art. A Haven for Humanity: Cave Dwellings and Underground Cities Beyond its geological marvels, Cappadocia's soft rock proved to be an ideal medium for human habitation. Early inhabitants discovered that the tuff could be easily carved, leading to the creation of extensive cave dwellings, churches, and monasteries. These rock-cut structures provided natural insulation, keeping interiors cool in summer and warm in winter. Even more astonishing are the vast underground cities like Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı. These subterranean complexes, some reaching many levels deep, were meticulously carved to provide refuge for thousands of people during times of invasion and persecution, particularly by early Christians fleeing Roman persecution and later by Byzantines seeking protection from Arab raids. Complete with ventilation shafts, stables, kitchens, churches, and even cemeteries, these cities are a testament to the remarkable resourcefulness and resilience of ancient communities. A Tapestry of History and Culture Cappadocia's history is as rich and layered as its landscape. It has been home to numerous civilizations, including the Hittites, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans, each leaving their indelible mark. * Early Christianity: The region played a pivotal role in the early days of Christianity. Its remote valleys and readily carvable rock provided a safe haven for early Christians to practice their faith and build elaborate cave churches adorned with intricate frescoes. The Göreme Open-Air Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases a remarkable collection of these rock-cut churches, offering a glimpse into Byzantine art and religious life. * Religious Significance: Many early Christian saints, including Saint Basil the Great, Saint Gregory of Nyssa, and Saint Gregory of Nazianzus, were from this region, solidifying Cappadocia's importance in Christian theology. * Cultural Blend: The continuous ebb and flow of empires and cultures has resulted in a fascinating blend of traditions, evident in the region's architecture, cuisine, and local customs. Cappadocia Today: A Tourist Paradise Today, Cappadocia is one of Turkey's most popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors from around the globe eager to experience its unique charm. * Hot Air Ballooning: The most iconic experience is undoubtedly a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Drifting silently above the valleys, with the sun casting golden hues over the fairy chimneys, is an unforgettable spectacle and provides unparalleled panoramic views of the landscape. * Hiking and Trekking: The valleys offer numerous hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the rock formations, cave churches, and hidden passages on foot. Popular routes include Rose Valley, Red Valley, and Pigeon Valley. * Cave Hotels: Many visitors choose to stay in authentic cave hotels, which are carved into the rock formations, offering a unique and atmospheric accommodation experience. * Local Crafts: The region is also known for its pottery, particularly from the town of Avanos, where visitors can witness traditional pottery making and even try their hand at the craft. In essence, Cappadocia is more than just a place; it's an experience. It's a land where geological forces have created an artistic masterpiece, and human history has carved its own remarkable story into the very fabric of the earth.

Very suitable for e-MTBs. Starting from Camping Kaya, it's possible to pass through the bazaar and the ramp at the Open Air Museum with a bike.