Things to do in Cappadocia, Turkey: The Best Historic Sites

December 12, 2021 Renato Branum

Lying in south central Turkey, the moonscaped region of Cappadocia, southeast of Ankara, is most famous for unique geological features called fairy chimneys. The large, cone-like formations were created over time by erosion of the relatively soft volcanic ash around them. Past cultures have dug into them to create dwellings, castles (like Uchisar) and even entire underground cities like Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, used as hiding places by early Christians. Nearby Kayseri is the gateway to the area.
Restaurants in Cappadocia

1. Goreme National Park

Goreme 50180 Turkey +90 384 271 3545 http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/357
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5.0 based on 4,139 reviews

Goreme National Park

Reviewed By localfoodiebih - Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

We visited Goreme in Oktober 2019. It was part of our honeymoon trip and we are still sad because we didnt spent at least couple days more at this magical place. We have heard about is before we came, we saw photos and videos, but believe me you cannot describe how beautiful this place is. It is perfect in September or October to visit since during the summer it is too hot. You can stay at cave hotels, visit open air museum, take one of the tours to visit couple more villages and underground cities and learn more about their tradition, culture and history of course. Prepare yourself to wake up early in the morning and visit Point of View place (ask locals) about directions and enjoy the view over the valley lighten by morning sun and hot air ballons.

2. Gore Harabeleri

Nigde yolu 3 km., Gore 50110 Turkey +90 384 232 82 41
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Gore Harabeleri

1800 yıllardan kalma Gore Harabelerinde;Dugun yemekleri icin bugday dovdukleri dibek tası, yıkılan evlere nazire yaparcasına sapasaglam eski gunlerin ihtisamın yol kenarından yerle bir edilmis evleri izleyin. harabeye cevrilmis o guzelim tas evler ile aranıza giren yemyesil agacları daha fazla sevgiyle ama huzunle izleyeceksiniz.

3. Goreme Open-Air Museum

Merkez, Muze Cd., Goreme 50180 Turkey
Excellent
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4.5 based on 6,764 reviews

Goreme Open-Air Museum

One of the top attractions in the region, this outdoor museum contains the remains of many churches carved into the famous Cappadocia stone. Of note are the many excellent frescoes that can be seen when exploring the various structures.

Reviewed By wheretonau - New York City, United States

Cappadocia-- Located in central Turkey is known for its distinctive " fairy chimneys," tall, cone-shaped rock formations clustered in Göreme and near by valleys. This by far has been one of my favorite places to visit, with a moon like landscape, underground cities, cave churches daiting back to the Byzantine era and houses carved in the rocks! This region took my breath away...

4. Derinkuyu Yeralti Sehri

Derinkuyu Turkey +90 384 213 42 60 http://www.muze.gov.tr/tr/muzeler/derinkuyu-yeralti-sehri
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4.5 based on 1,188 reviews

Derinkuyu Yeralti Sehri

At one time up to 20,000 people lived in this underground city carved 18 storeys deep into the Cappadocia earth. Today, 8 floors of rooms, tunnels and passageways are open for public viewing.

Reviewed By 596aarong - Los Angeles, United States

If you want a unique experience, then any of Cappadocia's underground cities will fill the bill. The fact that Derinkuyu exists at all is amazing. I highly recommend it... just watch your head, as many of the passageways are so small you have to bend over in half to get through. Not for the claustrophobic or faint of heart.

5. Gizelyurt Manastir Vadisi

Cevizli Sok. Guzelyurt Merkez, Guzelyurt 68500 Turkey 382 4512276
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4.5 based on 59 reviews

Gizelyurt Manastir Vadisi

6. Sivisli Church

Cevizli Sok. Guzelyurt Merkez, Guzelyurt Turkey
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4.5 based on 20 reviews

Sivisli Church

7. Keslik Monastery

Urgup Turkey +90 536 887 55 17
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4.5 based on 50 reviews

Keslik Monastery

Reviewed By 764usmanm

We hired a car on our week in Cappadocia and were on our way back to Urgup from the Soganli valley (great place) when we saw the sign for the monastery and decided to stop. It’s quite close to Urgup, I would say about 10km. The guide explained that this is a 13th century monastery which originally had a Greek Orthodox Church in it and later on another church was added. The site is quite neat and you have access to spectacular valley views, inside the main church there are numerous frescoes which the guide talks through and explains, it says no photos but I snapped away and the guide did not tell me off...it costs 10tl per person, all good for a bit of history and rest stop on a long drive.

8. Saruhan Kervansaray

Kayseri Nevsehir Yolu, 50500 Turkey +90 532 553 07 41 [email protected] http://saruhan1249.com
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4.0 based on 67 reviews

Saruhan Kervansaray

Reviewed By Raintree_Thailand - Bangkok, Thailand

We attended the Whirling Dervish ceremony conducted in the Saruhan Caravanserai. What a fantastic structure and amazing ceremony! The Whirling Dervish ceremony was captivating and mesmerizing! Truly remarkable. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this while in Cappadocia!

9. Uzumlu Kilise

Sehit Ali Guven Caddesi, Derinkuyu Turkey
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4.0 based on 39 reviews

Uzumlu  Kilise

10. AsmaliKonak

Urgup Turkey
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3.0 based on 115 reviews

AsmaliKonak

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