Cappadocia

Cappadocia in Asia Minor is a place where beauty and history merge. Over the course of millennia, geography has formed Peribacalari or "fairy chimneys" while humans have added evidence of their civilizations by carving homes into these pillars crafted from earth and decorating them with stunning frescoes. Here nature's artistry joins hands with humanity's legacy to create an unforgettable landscape unlike any other on Earth!

Nestled in the mysterious lands of Cappadocia, ancient underground cities hummed with life as early Christians sought refuge from religious persecution. It is here that the renowned Cappadocian Fathers transformed Christian thought during their fourth-century reign, and it was a native son who became Patriarch of Constantinople - John of Cappadocia (517 – 520). Despite centuries fraught with battle between empires like Sassanid and Arab forces, this picturesque region endured relatively unscathed.

Cappadocia is a striking region of remarkable geological, historical and cultural significance. Situated southwest of Kayseri - the gateway city to Ankara and Istanbul by air or rail - the area boasts incredible rock formations carved out over millions of years from sedimentary layers deposited in ancient lakes and streams as well as volcanic eruptions between 9-3 million years ago (late Miocene to Pliocene epochs). These dreamlike pillars, spires and 'minaret'-shaped rocks have served as homes for locals since antiquity, whilst also providing awe-inspiring sanctuaries like churches & monasteries that draw visitors seeking an unparalleled experience here on Earth. With its striking combination of natural and man-made wonders, Goreme astonishes travelers with the ethereal beauty that accumulates from centuries gone by. Hidden within humble rock formations lies a complex network of monastic communities, containing churches elaborately carved into stone walls up to Uzun Dere Valley - home to breathtaking frescoes dating back between 300-1200 AD. This site - known as The Open Air Museum in Cappadocia – is one of Turkey’s most visited tourist attractions; immersing all who visit this marvelously mysterious place in time long forgotten yet still living on through anecdotes whispered down by history itself.

Cappadocia is a land of hidden gems, where you can discover something new even after spending a lifetime here. With towering monuments such as the two open-air museums and underground cities to explore, there are also awe-inspiring hikes amidst bizarre rock formations along with tucked away churches and monasteries that have long been forgotten. When journeying across this timeless landscape don't forget to take in the breath taking caravanserais too!

* Goreme Open Air Museum: cave churches with frescoes

* Zelve Open Air Museum: an empty cave town with churches

* Ihlara Valley: the deepest gorge of Anatolia

Kaymakli Underground City: the largest underground city

Derinkuyu Underground City: the deepest underground city

Uchisar Castle: Roman rock-cut castle

Ortahisar: Roman rock-cut castle