12 Places To Visit In Cappadocia In 2020 That Let You Explore The Magical Kingdom Of Anatolia
Zelve Open Air Museum
The Zelve Open-Air Museum once housed one of the largest communities in the region and is an amazing cave town, combed with dwellings, religious and secular chambers. Known to be one of the well-known Cappadocia attractions, the real joy of this museum is while meandering down the cliffside paths, exploring the fire-blackened interiors of the cave dwellings, and staring out at the brilliant vistas at the surrounding countryside.
Ihlara Valley
In any of the Cappadocia travel guide, do not miss out on Ihlara Valley which is one of the important Cappadocia tourist attractions that attracts visitors for its tall poplar trees and fertile farming plots. During the Byzantine period, this was a favored retreat for hermetic monk communities, who carved churches and monastery complexes into the cliff face. The Kokar Kilise (Fragrant Church), Yılanlı Kilise (Snake Church), and Kirk Dam Altı Kilise (St. George Church) are three of the best which cannot be missed. It is also believed that the valley housed more than 4000 dwellings, 100 cave churches decorated with frescoes and about 80,000 people.
Town Of Avanos
Set on the banks of the Kizilirmak, the Red River is the town of Avanos. Famous for its markets, this is one of the top places to visit in Cappadocia. Based at about 8 kilometers from Goreme, Avanos has a lively center with all the usual amenities including a modern, and a tourist-oriented hamam, i.e., a Turkish Bath.
Pasabag
Among the many places to visit in Cappadocia, Pasabag is one which you should not miss. This beautiful valley is located on the road to Zelve while coming from Goreme or Avanos. In the middle of a vineyard, you can see remarkable earth pillars. The name Monks Valley was derived from some cones carved in tuff stones which stand apart even today.
Red Rose Valley
Another gem of Cappadocia is the intertwined Red Rose Valley which lies between the villages of Goreme and Cavusin. The valley is layered with arched rocks in different hues of pastel pink, yellow and orange cliffs which are formed by volcanic eruption and wind and water erosion. Apart from its undaunted beauty, these valleys are a paradise for the hikers as there various adventurous trekking trails.
Soğanlı Valley
Located in the Yeşilhisar district, Soğanlı Valley is counted among the most famous places to visit in Cappadocia, Turkey. This valley is quite popular for its ancient historical sites, chapels and monk cells. Once you explore the valley you will witness three pristine chapels named Karabas Kilise, Yilanli Kilise, and Sakli Kilise. Don’t forget to explore the serene villages and roam around the valley!
Goreme Open Air Museum
The Goreme Open-Air Museum is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Cappadocia. This museum resembles a vast monastic complex composed of refectory monasteries placed side-by-side, each with its own church. Also, the Goreme Open Air Museum has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984 and was one of the first two UNESCO sites in Turkey.
Kaymakli Underground City
Built under the hill known as the Citadel of Kaymakli, this was opened to visitors in 1964. If you are in Turkey and wondering about the best things to see in Cappadocia then do not miss exploring the underground city. The people of Kaymakli village have constructed their houses around nearly one hundred tunnels of the underground city. While the underground city consists of 8 floors below ground, four of these levels can be explored by visitors.
Uchisar Castle
Among many places to visit in Cappadocia, Uchisar Castle is a fascinating one. This castle is situated at the highest point in Cappadocia on the Nevsehir-Goreme road and is just about 5 km away from Goreme. Travel to the top of the Uchisar Castle and witness a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area with Mount Erciyes in the distance.
Devrent Valley
Devrent Valley, popularly known as Imaginary Valley and also as the Pine Valley, it is one of Cappadocia sightseeing attractions. The small fairy chimneys in the valley form a lunar landscape, or moonscape, by their strange look and thus are called the “Lunar Landscape”. The valley also has many animal shaped rocks that look like a sculpture zoo made by nature. If you are looking for places to visit near Cappadocia, then you add this on your bucket list.
Çavusin
Planning a Cappadocia trip? Do not forget to visit the village of Çavusin where you can witness two lovely Byzantine churches. The moment you entered the town, you will witness the Çavusin Church with an awesome interior of frescoes. After hiking high up on the ridge above the tumble of derelict houses, one can visit the Church of St. John the Baptist which is thought to be the oldest church in Cappadocia.
Derinkuyu Underground City
Looking for the best places to visit in Cappadocia, Turkey? Located in the Derinkuyu district in Nevşehir Province, Turkey, Derinkuyu Underground City is one of the best places that all tourists should definitely visit. It is the deepest underground shelter and was used by the Christians to hide from the attacks. This cave has narrow lanes which you can easily explore as the place is not known to many and is less crowded.