Göreme

A trip to Cappadocia cannot be complete without visiting Göreme. It is a valley located in the heart of the Cappadocia area, which occupies an area of more than 9.5 hectares. Its main characteristic is that it is located in the middle of some curious rock formations, known as fairy chimneys. The best thing about these structures, in addition to their beauty, is that their inhabitants have managed to make the unique rocks habitable. This amazing work integrates perfectly with the natural environment, and even blends in in a particular way with the landscape and makes the whole look spectacular.

Some of the caves are still inhabited and it is also It is possible to find numerous places (hotels or cave pensions) to stay.

Settlement in the area began in the 3rd and 4th centuries, when Christians from the Roman period founded several monasteries. Like most of the constructions in Cappadocia, these were not buildings, but sites carved into the rock, in the form of artificial caves. There are still remains of monuments, chapels, alcoves, warehouses and churches, many of them decorated with frescoes from the 11th and 12th centuries.

Göreme is considered the largest religious center in the region and is listed as a National Park since 1986. Eleven churches excavated in the travertine are regrouped in the city, like their troglodyte dwellings. The uniqueness and exceptionality of the place invites you to make a stop for several days. It is worth noting its "Open Air Museum", which houses the best churches carved into the rock, with wall paintings whose colors still retain their original freshness. This museum has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1984 and was one of the first two sites to be listed in all of Turkey. In total it has eleven refectories, the tables and benches carved into the rock. Each refectory is associated with a church belonging to the 10th, 11th and 12th centuries, the most important being: Las Monjas, which can be reached through a tunnel, has a cruciform plan, a dome with four columns and three apses. It also has rock paintings of Jesus. The Church of Santa Barbara has a cruciform plan with two columns and there is a main, central apse and two lateral apses. The walls and the dome are decorated with a variety of motifs such as geometric patterns, mythological animals, and military symbols. Church Apple (Elmali), is one of the most emblematic buildings in the area for its bright colors. The church is a structure with an ogival vault with a cross in a square plan, which has four columns and a central dome. Serpent Church (Yilanli), consists of two chambers, the front is barrel-vaulted, while the rear has a flat roof. The Dark Church (Karanlik Kilise), has a cross plan, the arms of the cross with a diagonal vault. This church dates from the end of the 12th century. Some of the scenes on the walls are the Annunciation, the journey to Bethlehem, the Birth, the Baptism, the raising of Lazarus, the Transfiguration, the Entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the Betrayal of Judas, and the Crucifixion. Church of Carikli (Sandals), has two columns joined by a vault, three apses and four domes. The well-preserved frescoes show the life of Jesus, the hospitality of Abraham, and images of saints and church donors. Buckle Church (Tokali), is located about 50 meters outside the museum grounds and is a complex made up of four main chambers.

Being in a valley, it is It is very easy to find fantastic viewpoints to contemplate the place and feel like you are in a prehistoric or science fiction place. The town of Göreme offers magnificent pictures, giving away great landscapes for lovers of photography and good views. In addition, from Göreme you can access most of the valleys and towns that make up Cappadocia.