Places To Visit In Goreme

Of course, when we talk about places to visit in Goreme, we should mention the world-famous Goreme open-air museum also as known as Goreme National Park, which is the oldest settlement of Cappadocia. It was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1985. And was declared a National Park in 1986 by the decision of the council on ministers.

Approximately 33 years after this date (Kasım 22, 2019), it was removed from the national park status. Goes without saying that this place, located in the volcanic region of Mount Erciyes and Mount Hasan in central Anatolia, is a natural wonder surrounded by valleys and fairy chimneys.7-13. Christians living between the 19th and 16th centuries have adopted this place as settlement areas to escape from the oppression imposed on them or, so to speak, to escape, MDC Hotel is the chosen accommodation place in Cappadocia, so let’s see what some places to visit in Goreme.

Places To Visit In Goreme: Museums

Goreme Open Air Museum

This is the first place among the many places to visit in Goreme. The museum, also known as Goreme Ruins, was seen as the center of education until the 13th century. The reason for this is that the Kayseri Psychosis Aziz Basil came to this region in the 4th century AD and started a monastic life in the valley when he began to spread his knowledge and after a while began to raise his students. Goreme is also known as a rock settlement. Churches. Chapels, dining halls, and sitting areas were carved in this settlement.

The parts that can be visited in Goreme open-air museum are St. Basil Chapel, St. Barbora Chapel, Monks, and Nuns Monastery, Dark Church, Takali Church, Carkali Church, Elmali Church, and Yilanli Church because the rest of them demolished by time.

The geometric ornaments that they used in the early years of Christianity appear in the churches.

PLACES TO VISIT IN GOREME: CHURCHES

• SAINT BASIL’S CHAPEL 

There are also many chapels related to places to visit in Goreme. St. Basil’s Chapel is one of them.

Located at the entrance to the museum is an 11th-century chapel. Here Hz.
Portrait of Jesus, Hz. Mary and St. the Childhood of Jesus are depicted. We can also see depictions of 2 saints, St. George, St. Demetrius, and St. Theodore.

• Azize Barbara Chapel

It would be accurate to describe the location of the chapel as the back of the rock block where Elmalı Church is located.

The motifs inside are painted with red paint. Its dome and walls are decorated with rich geometric motifs. At the same time, we see military symbols and mythological animals in these drawings. There are also depictions of St. George and St. Theodore, St. Barbara, fighting the dragon on horseback.

• Monastery Of Nuns And Priests

We usually know it as the Convent of the Nuns.
On the first floor of the monastery, there is a kitchen, dining hall, and rooms. There is a chapel on the second floor. Although this chapel is in ruins, it is in a good condition to visit. In the monastery, which consists of three floors, the connection between the floors was provided by tunnels, and bolt stones were used to close these tunnels in a dangerous moment. In the Monastery of Monks on the right, unfortunately, the passages between the floors are closed due to erosion. Therefore, it is possible to see only a few rooms on the ground floor.

• Dark Church (Karanlık Kilise)

Dark Church gets its name because it receives very little light from a very small window in the Narthex part of the church.
The fact that the church was not illuminated ensured that the frescoes inside did not fade and remained alive.

The church, which is estimated to have been built at the end of the 11th century and the beginning of the 12th century, has rich decorations. Deesis, Gospel, Journey to Bethlehem, Birth, Adoration of the Magi, Baptism, Resurrection of Lazarus, Transfiguration, Entry to Jerusalem, Last Supper, Betrayal, Prophet.
Jesus on the Cross, St. the Descent of Jesus to Hell, Women at the Empty Tomb, Blessing, and Appointment of the Apostles, Hz. There are some scenes from the Torah, such as the Ascension of Jesus, the Hospitality of the Prophet Abraham, and the Burning of Three Jewish Youths.

• Buckle Church : (TOKALI KILISE)

The Buckle Church, which is estimated to have been built at the end of the century and the beginning of the 11th century, is the oldest rock church in this region and consists of 4 places. The single-nave Old Church, the New Church, the church below the Old Church, and the side chapel to the north of the New Church are the 4 places mentioned. Drawings from the life of St. Basil, depictions of many saints, and Hz. It is possible to see the miracles of Jesus and his life cycle in the drawings on the wall.

• Sandal Church : (CARKILI KILISE)

One of the greatest features of the church is St.
The crucifixion and removal of Jesus from the cross. The similarities between the Elmalı Church and the Dark Church are striking detail.
The reason why it is called the Çarıklı Church is –according to the rumor – Hz. It originates from the footprints under the scene of Jesus’ ascension.

• Apple Church : (ELMALI KILISE)

To enter the church, it is necessary to use a tunnel opened from the north. It is estimated that it was built in the middle of the 11th century or the beginning of the 12th century. Another striking detail is that the crosses and motifs on the wall are made with red paint.

• Snake Church : (YILANLI KILISE)

The name given to the church is due to the depiction of four sinners and a naked woman attacked by snakes on the wall.
The epitaph of the first of these women was destroyed, so her crime could not be understood. The second woman’s fault is that she is bitten on the chest by snakes because she does not breastfeed her child. The third woman is bitten on the mouth for lying, and the fourth woman is bitten on the ears for disobedience and disobedience. The church was built in the 9th century.

• Post Church

For the (salvation) and forgiveness of sins of “(your) servant (…name..) which is seen in the inscription in the church”-“(this church was built or decorated during the reign of Emperor Basileios and Constantine)” Thanks to this, it is understood that the church was built during the reign of Emperor Basil II and Constantine 8, that is, in 976-1025. Two archangel depictions draw attention. There are also depictions of Deesis, Meryem Orans, Mary and baby Jesus, Zechariah, Yoakim.

• Crossed Church (Saint Aganthangelus)

The exact construction date of the church is not known, but it is estimated that it started to be built in the 6th or 7th century, and was completed in the 9th or 10th century. The plan of the church is rectangular, flat ceiling, and wide single apse, so it is known as the Crusader Church. This church, which is entered through a wooden staircase, offers a visual feast to the visitors thanks to the relief of the cross on its ceiling.

• Church Of Virgin Mary

It is very close to Göreme Open Air Museum.
It is estimated that it was built in the first half of the 2nd century. On its walls are depictions of Deesis, Journey to Bethlehem, Nativity, Jesus on the Cross, Death of Mary, and Saints.

• Ayvalı Church
  

One of the most striking frescoes in the church is Hz. It is the scene taken when Meryem is on her deathbed. In this scene, which also includes the apostles, Hz. Jesus, through a baby coming out of his mouth, takes the life of Mary. It is very difficult to understand when some of the frescoes in the Ayvalı Church were drawn, but it is estimated that they were made in the 9th century. The frescoes in the church were made in different periods

• Cistern Church

It was named Cistern Church because it was used as a cistern for a while. It is possible to see traces of water inside the church. The prominent beauties of the church are the depictions of saints in medallions. It is noteworthy that the frescoes that have survived to the present day are still alive and intact.

• El Nazar Church

It was carved into one of the Fairy Chimneys. Unfortunately, the floor of the church and a part of the apse have also been destroyed. There is no exact date, but the church is estimated to have been built in the late 10th century.

• Karabulut Church

You have to climb to the entrance of Karabulut Church. Therefore, the church does not have a door. Not frequently visited by people as it is difficult to enter the church. That’s why the frescoes inside have survived to the present day

• Hidden Church

The reason why the name of the church is Hidden Church is that it is on a very steep slope and it was found in 1957 due to the collapse of its entrance. The drawings adorning the church, on the other hand, draw our attention as they are drawn directly on the bedrock. Another remarkable feature is that it has a very ornate cross on its ceiling.

We also see these crosses mostly in churches built in the early period. The drawings on the walls are the Prayer Scene, the Annunciation to Mary, the Nativity of Jesus, the Calendar of Jesus in the Temple, the Commissioning of John the Baptist, the Baptism of Jesus, the Transfiguration, Jesus on the Cross, and the Death of Mary. It was determined that it was built in the second half of the 11th century.

PLACES TO VISIT IN GOREME: Valleys

Pigeon Valley

Pigeon Valley is a must in the list of places to visit in Goreme. According to what is known, pigeon breeding began in this region in the 9th century.
The people living in the region see that pigeon manure is very useful especially for growing grapes. Thus, pigeons have been raised in the valley since then. There is also a waterfall in the valley, which many people are unaware of, flowing from a height of about 15 meters. Pigeon Valley covers an area of ​​approximately 4 kilometers starting from Uchisar and reaching Goreme.

Rose Valley

Just like in other valleys of Cappadocia, we encounter many monasteries, churches, and shelters in Rose Valley. Here you can do nature sports such as nature walks and trekking as a part of the Rose Valley track, which is divided into two parts, there are settlement areas where monks and priests were in seclusion. The settlement areas were carved into the rocks. There is also Direkli Church, Crusader Church (Saint Agathangelus Church), Anna Church, Ayvalı Church, and Three Cross Church.

Love Valley

Many years ago, what we now call Love Valley was a village. Ten dynasties were living in this village. One day, a fight broke out between the two families living in the village, and because of the fight, the village was divided into two and people did not talk to each other. One day, two villagers who complained about the situation decided to take and introduce a young man from both sides who are hostile to each other.

The young people also fell in love as soon as they saw each other. The feuding villagers, who understand the situation, do their best to separate the young people, but they cannot succeed. Eventually, they decide to get the young people married. Time passed, the couple had a child. However, even this situation was not enough to reconcile the quarreling families.

Finally, they killed the boy. The poor girl could not stand her husband’s death and committed suicide. It is said that after the death of the two lovers, God rained stones to punish the people living in the village. These stones kill anyone who opposes the reunion of the youth. Rumour has it that the spirits of the couple often visited this area and talked to the children.

The valley, known as Love Valley, Lovers Valley, or Baglidere, has such a story. The only impressive thing is not the story, but the valley itself. This is the best location for those who want to take a balloon tour. Thanks to its aesthetic appearance and beauty, Fairy Chimneys add beauty to the magnificence of Love Valley.

Zemi Valley

It is one of the longest tracks in Cappadocia. The Zemi Valley, which is approximately 5600 meters long, takes its name from the Zemi Stream passing through the valley.

While touring the Valley, you come across plum, Mulberry, cherry, pear, apricot, cherry, and hazelnut trees. During your tour, you will see the Cistern Church, El Nazar Church, and Karabulut Church, Görkündere, and Hidden Church.

Goreme Panoramic Watching Point

Let’s add a place with a magnificent view of the places to visit in Goreme so that you can watch the Fairy Chimneys and the valleys in Goreme from this point. The Goreme Panorama viewing point starts at the endpoint of Pigeon Valley on the Uçhisar road. Its height is 3917 meters.

PLACES TO VISIT IN GOREME:  Fairy Chimneys

Fairy Chimneys are the most important places to visit in Göreme. Undoubtedly, the first thing that comes to mind when Cappadocia is mentioned is Fairy Chimneys.

So how did the Fairy Chimneys come into being?

It would be more accurate to say many years ago or in the first years, Cappadocia was an inland sea. Erciyes Mountain, rose mountain and Hasan Mountain sprayed lava millions of years ago, the lava and ashes in question dried up the sea and tuff structures were formed. When erosion was mixed with the flood, rain and strong wind that they were exposed to for years, erosion started and thus Fairy Chimneys were formed.
Houses, churches, monasteries, chapels were carved into the Fairy Chimneys and for many years these were people’s homes.

Legend Of The Fairy Chimneys

The region where the Fairy Chimneys are most concentrated in Göreme National Park. The name Fairy Chimneys was due to the belief that fairies lived in these places. There is even a legend told about it.

Many years ago, there was a hardworking farmer in Göreme and there were plenty of grapes in his vineyards. With the tiredness and old age brought about by the years, he has barely started to do the things he used to handle easily. Another year, the harvest came to his field early, but he couldn’t find the strength to get things done quickly. Sitting at the foot of a Fairy Chimney, he started to brood and said, “I have a lot of work here, what if the birds eat my labor and the wind blows them all away”. While the poor man was thinking and worrying about these things, a lot of fairies came out of the Fairy Chimneys with torches in their hands and they took care of all the man’s business.

When they were done, they disappeared. At first, the man thought he was delusional, but then he thought that everything was a reward for his hard work. The old man’s neighbors could not understand how an incapable old man could get things done in such a short time.
Unfortunately, the old man passed away and his neighbors never learned this secret.”

Accomodation In Cappadocia

During your trip to Cappadocia, you will never have to worry about finding a place to stay. We will be happy to welcome you to MDC Hotel to provide a perfect accommodation experience. If you want to increase your activities in Cappadocia during your stay at the MDC Hotel, you can also participate in the activities organized by the MDC Hotel itself. With the spacious structure of our rooms in the cave hotel concept, the cleanliness of the hotel, the excellent service, and the caring and helpful attitude of our staff, we offer you even more of the features you are looking for in a hotel. To plan your stay, you can reserve the room that best suits your needs right away. They also have Tourism Agency which is HTR Tour here you can choose your tour easily.