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The most famous historical feature of Avanos, which is still relevant and very visible today, is its production of earthenware pottery; it is also the most economic activity in the town. The ceramic trade in this district and its countless pottery factories date right back to the Hittites, and the ceramic clay from the red silt of the Kızılırmak has always been used. It is a popular destination because of its attractive old town with cobbled streets, and views over the river.
Cavusin Church is an extraordinary 1,000-year-old church that is carved into the rock face in Cappadocia. It attracts visitors with its ancient artworks on religious themes and intricate network of tunnels leading to carved rooms. Meander through the maze of passageways to the church’s 10 rooms spread across three stories.
Note the features of the church, such as its high nave and three apses.
Admire the colorful frescoes on the walls of the churches carved into the rocky terrain and learn about Turkey’s Byzantine past.
The exceptional Göreme Open Air Museum is home to a number of churches carved into the rocks by medieval Christian monks. Explore the historic site on foot to see intriguing frescoes from 1,000 years ago and learn about the Byzantine people who created them. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is the main draw of the Cappadocia region due to its awe-inspiring views, diverse terrain and sculpted spiritual homes.
As you stroll through the narrow streets of Mustafapaşa, admire the magnificent frescoes of the Church of Constantine and Helen, one of the town’s most famous monuments. It is dedicated to Constantine the Great and his empress, Helena.
Like many towns in Cappadocia, central Turkey, Mustafapaşa had a largely Greek population in Ottoman times. Turks and Greeks lived side by side, and the sound of church bells mingled with the call to prayer from the mosque. Today it is a thriving town with a university but it has retained a real-life Turkish atmosphere. Called Sinasos by its Ottoman Greek residents, it is still called that today by many local people.
Ortahisar is famous for its friendly inhabitants, picturesque stone houses, narrow streets and lovely churches as well as the castle-like rock formation after which the town is named. This 90m high natural fortress, a prominent landmark in the region – honeycombed with caves and tunnels, camouflaged by nature without the slightest indication of human presence inside – has partly crumbled away revealing some of its interior. Today it has been restored and the peak is accessible by a staircase. The Ortahisar Castle offers a magnificent panorama over the fairy chimneys of Hallacdere and the snowy peak of Mt. Erciyes.
Pasabag is a wonderland of fairy chimneys that sprout like enormous mushrooms from the middle of a vineyard. The exquisite rock formations are reason enough to visit this unusual part of the world that resembles Mars, but its intriguing history and vineyard complement the visual experience. Take a guided tour of the dreamlike world and learn about a miracle worker who took refuge inside a fairy chimney.
Clamber inside the natural wonder and make your way to the top. Picture St. Simeon’s daily life in his hermitage and enjoy the panoramic view of Pasabag’s rock formations and vineyard.
Pigeon Valley is a picturesque maze of exceptional rock formations, cave dwellings and a distant volcano. The diverse terrain, which seems like it comes from another planet, stretches for miles between Göreme and Uçhisar. Take a break midway through your hike at a charming café in the middle of the valley.
The site is named after the many pigeon houses carved into the rocks. The birds served as important messengers for the former inhabitants of the caves; they were also kept as pets.
Crimson cliffs, carved churches and historic dovecotes complement the inspiring views and photo opportunities along this impressive walking trail.
Red Valley is one of Cappadocia’s most scenic walking routes due to its colorful rock formations and historic carved churches. The former homes, churches and dovecotes are surviving reminders of the monks who lived here more than a millennium ago with their pigeon messengers and pets.
Rose Valley is an intriguing landscape full of reddish-pink rocks, fairy chimneys and stunning views. It is known, along with its partner, Red Valley, as one of the most scenic walking regions in all of Cappadocia. Trek through this Mars-like terrain for hours to discover all its unusual features at your own pace. It is particularly enchanting at sunrise and sunset. Do not miss Ayvali Church, which contains many enchanting murals and ornate decoration.
Uçhisar Castle is a large rock formation rising tall above the terrain like a giant anthill full of small, dark holes. It attracts visitors with its intriguing history and stunning panorama that includes the surrounding landscape and Mount Erciyes in the distance. Look for black holes indicating the entrances to abodes, tunnels and dovecotes crafted into the rock many centuries ago. While you are atop the mountain, see the Byzantine graves that have survived the test of time.
