Cappadocia is famous for its unique rock formations called “fairy chimneys”. They are formed naturally due to thick layers of volcanic ash, which then solidifies into huge piles of soft rock called “tuff”. With natural forces of wind and water, only the harder elements were left behind, and these are the “fairy chimneys” you see today. They were believed to be formed more than 60 million years ago.
During the Roman Empire, ill-treated Christians fled to Cappadocia, and soon realised that tuff is a useful, malleable material. They dug, craved and transformed these rocks into caves, living quarters, churches, stables and storehouses. Underground cities that go almost 10-storeys deep in multi levels, connected by narrow passageways were also built. This allowed thousands of people to live their lives in total secrecy, probably due to fear that their refuge will be discovered. Though they lived in hiding, they lived their lives to the fullest, as much as they would have in an above ground town. Ventilation shafts were disguised as wells, while large rolling stone doors were put in place to protect entrances.
The churches of Goreme are also worth a mention because of its beautiful wall paintings. Today, many of these cave homes are converted into accommodation for tourists. Cave churches and underground cities are opened for exploring. Once a refuge, the beautiful carved rocks of Cappadocia are now a tourist destination where hot air balloon tours allow visitors to gaze down upon this UNESCO listed site.
8am: Arrive at Kayseri Erkilet Airport, Check-in to Goreme Mansion Cave Hotel
From Singapore, take an overnight 1-stop flight to Cappadocia, transiting at Istanbul Airport. Proceed to check-in at Goreme Mansion Cave Hotel for a cave house experience. There are many other cave hotels available.
1pm: Lunch at Gorkundere Cafe Breakfast
The setting at Gorkundere Cafe Breakfast somehow reminds me of Hobbit immediately - the wood, greens and stone. They serve one of the best Turkish breakfast in the area! Enjoy your meal alfresco-style with the amazing rock formations in the background, what a view!
2pm: Explore Goreme Open Air Museum, Cave Churches
The Goreme Open Air Museum contains the finest of the rock-cut churches with beautiful wall paintings (frescoes) whose colours still retain all their original freshness. It presents unique examples of rock hewn architecture and fresco technique. Most of the churches here belong to the 10th, 11th and 12th century. It is one of the most popular venues people would want to visit when they are in Cappadocia. This area has been UNESCO listed since 1984, one of the first 2 UNESCO sites of Turkey.
There is an admission fee to the museum, and a separate admission fee required for the Dark Church. Here’s a guide:
- From the museum ticket booth, follow the cobbled path till you reach Chapel of Saint Basil.
- Around the corner is Chapel of Saint Barbara.
- After this chapel, the lane continues to nine-domed Apple Church.
- Heading uphill, you will arrive at the Snake Church.
- Continuing uphill and at the highest point, you will reach Dark Church.
- Passing Dark Church, you will arrive at Chapel of Saint Catherine.
- Now going downhill, you will arrive at Sandal Church;
- followed by Rahibeler Monastery at the bottom of the hill.
- You will be back at the museum entrance, and after you exit the museum, don’t forget to visit the Buckle Church, covered by the same museum ticket. This church is one of Goreme’s biggest and finest churches, with an underground chapel and fabulous restored frescoes painted in a narrative cycle.
5pm: Sunset Camel Riding
After a tour around the Goreme Open Air Museum, head back to the hotel for the camel ride pick-up. There are a few rides available for camel riding by Savran Camel Safari, and I chose the sunset 90mins ride, which fits well into the itinerary. They provide transport to and fro your accommodation.
7pm: Dinner at Fat Boys Cafe Restaurant
After drop-off from the camel ride, dinner is at Fat Boys, which is walking distance from the hotel. Fat Boys has a nice medieval kind of design, with rough stone walls and wooden framings.
Have an early night rest as hot air balloon ride pick-up is at 4am.
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