The region known as Cappadocia includes the triangle of three volcanic mountains, Hasandag , Erciyes and Melendiz. It is a stunning area of otherworldly rock formations, subterranean churches and underground dwellings, the scale of which is over-whelming. The area is also famous for its carpet weaving and the distinctive red pottery of the Avanos area. Cappadocia was a refuge for the early Christians, who escaped persecution by living and worshipping underground.
The village of Göreme itself is at the heart of the area’s tourist industry, and many of its villagers still live in cave dwellings, some of which have been converted into pensions. Surrounding the area are the amazing rock formations known evocatively as Peri Bacaları or ‘Fairy Chimneys’.
There are hundreds of underground cities in the region. Two of the most impressive are Kaymaklı, which has 8 levels, and Derinkuyu, which reaches down 55 metres. They were used by the Christians fleeing persecution in the 7th century, who created a self-sufficient environment underground including bedrooms, kitchens and storage rooms.
Cappadocia is the playground of the nature. Everything completes each other with a great harmony and to see that miracle in a “big picture” Hot Air Balloon is the best way. Watc- hing the landscape in the safe hot air baloon basket, gliding from sky through the valleys, going up down in the sky and seeing the Beauties of Cappadocia in different aspect is just an amazing experience…
