Turkey holidays would not be complete unless an excursion was taken to the Cappadocia region. This area, in the very center of Turkey, is a unique and almost otherworldly place to visit.

Rock formations jut upwards in a most unusual fashion. Often referred to as “fairy chimneys”, these rocks eventually were carved into homes and are still, to this day, inhabited by people of the region. Many of these “rock” homes are available to tour through and see the incredible skills used to create an entire home from stone.

Due to its location near the Silk Road and its value as a strategic point in medieval warfare, Cappadocia was often raided. Because of this, the citizens of the area took to living in the grottos of the rock formations, and eventually underground. There is an entire city that has been constructed underground that is a “must see” experience.

There are nearly 600 churches built into the rocks and underground in this area. In ancient times, at the dawn of Christianity, Christians were persecuted for their beliefs. They began to worship in secret in this area, building these incredible churches underground. Many of these churches are available to walk through.
There are many other things to visit and see in this area.

Trekking adventures through the fairy chimneys, day trips to nearby villages and museum exploration are just a few things you can do when visiting.
The local area is filled with opportunities to experience Turkish cuisine and culture. Shops and dinners are open and willing to please. Pottery, a major industry in this area, can be purchased directly from the artist.

While not as modern as cities such as Istanbul, Cappadocia is a must see for anyone wishing to truly experience Turkey. Visiting this area and the accompanying villages surrounding these mystical rock formations, will introduce you to a world that is far enough removed from modernity to be fascinating, yet close enough to be comfortable.

As a World Heritage site visitors will find that the area, once the seat of many great civilizations, is a rare gem and worth the effort to visit.