Exploring the Fairy Chimneys of Goreme National Park

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Visit the Goreme National Park and rock sites of Cappadocia, one of the most striking landscapes in the world, with Ker & Downey.

The landscape of the Goreme National Park is spectacularly unique. Rock formations, known as “fairy chimneys” rise up from the ground against a backdrop of mountains and valleys, creating a striking scene. The area has been sculpted by nature – erosion and volcanic activity act as the hands of the creator. There’s no other place like it on earth.

Located on the central Anatolia plateau, the Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia were added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1985.

The rocky landscape of Goreme has long been a place of refuge, used for centuries by Christians escaping the Roman Empire. It has been inhabited since the 3rd and 4th centuries, as its seclusion and remoteness lends itself to safe shelter. There’s a system of underground towns throughout the area, with tunnels and staircases connecting to ancient homes, cellars, stables, and kitchens. These subterranean cities are incredibly sophisticated and unique and are part of the largest cave-dwelling complexes in the world.

What is now the Goreme Open-Air Museum was first an important Byzantine monastic settlement that housed around 20 monks. The rock-hewn sanctuaries of the monks included a dining hall, sleeping alcoves, wineries, chapels, and churches that contain some of the best examples of Byzantine art. They are full of frescoes and paintings that date from the tenth through thirteenth centuries and definitely worth a stop on your visit to the Goreme National Park.

Visit the Goreme National Park with Ker & Downey

A visit to Cappadocia isn’t complete without spending time in the Goreme Valley. Explore the rock-cut churches and fairy chimneys on horseback, by foot, on an ATV vehicle, or with an exciting jeep excursion, then take to the skies for top-side view of the lunar-like landscape with a hot-air balloon ride. You’ll also get the chance to explore the underground city of Kaymakli and climb to the top of the Uchisar Rock Castle for a stunning panoramic view of the valley.

For more information about the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Goreme National Park and its rock sites, or to add a stop in Cappadocia to your next journey to Turkey, contact your Luxury Travel Consultant. To stay up to date on all of our online content, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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