The "Open-Air Museum" - Goreme

Trip Start Jul 25, 2011
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Trip End Aug 14, 2011


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Where I stayed
Lykia Lodge Kapadokya Nevsehir
Read my review - 5/5 stars

Flag of Turkey  , Nevşehir,
Saturday, August 6, 2011

Our day began with a visit to the renowned Goreme "open-air museum," a group of ancient churches carved from the region's soft tufa rock (the result of volcanic ash spewed some 30 milliion years ago).  Most of the fascinating churches include interior chapels adorned by colorful frescoes.  We hiked into the Soganli Valley, dotted with churches and curious rock formations.  Then we explored one of the underground cities used by early Christians and others as a refuge from invading hordes that regularly swept across the Anatolian plain.  These vast complexes could hide thousands of people, as well as their livestock.   We hiked Pigeon and Rose Valleys, visited an open market in Urgup, visited a carpet factory, and entered the home of a local in his "chimney home".  We also hiked around the Fairy Chimneys and George took a balloon ride in the early morning.

We later went to view the highest point in the region, Uchisar Castle.  The summit of this natural fortress, honeycombed with rooms, stairs, and tunnels, offered a terrifc panoramic view of the surrounding countryside
Our hotel just outside Neveshir, Cappadocia
Our hotel just outside Neveshir, Cappadocia
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One day we hiked from the village of Uchisar to Goreme.  On the hike we saw some extraordinary views of the region's unique landscapes and scenic splendor. 

We attended a craft demonstration by local artisans at a rug-weaving cooperative and then had the opportunity of acquainting ourselves with the 9,000 year-old pottery-making tradition of Anatolia, followed by another hike in one of the surrounding valleys.

Cappadocia was probably our favorite site this time around in Turkey.
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