Cappadocia, TURKEY
Airing Date: Sep 26th, 2005
Despite it being sometimes considered as in the middle of nowhere, Cappadocia is considered one of Turkey's best attractions! .Cappadocia is generally regarded as the plains and the mountainous region of eastern central Anatolia around the upper and middle reaches of the river KızılırmakThe region began with the eruption of not one, not two but three volcanos as long as 10 million years ago. The eruptions spread a thick layer of hot volcanic ash over the region, which hardened into a soft, porous stone called Tuff. Many people rate it as having one of the most unique landscapes in the world, with strange dome-like volcanic rock formations scattered across an arid desert landscape.
What's even more 'out of this world' is the fact that locals still live in these ancient rock domes. For sheer fascination and mystery, you could hardly beat the underground cities of Cappadocia. While in the area, it should be one of your top priorities to take in a visit to one of the estimated 36 underground cities that have been identified. When you arrive at one, little arrows guide you into the cool depths. You will need a tour guide while you are exploring underground, or you will no doubt get lost!
The Open-Air Museum is a cluster of rock-cut Byzantine churches, chapels and monasteries, 1.5 kilometres from the centre of Goreme. It's easy to spend most of the day walking the paths here, climbing stairways or passing through the tunnels to reach the various monastery churches. Let the utter improbability of the landscape flood over you: the lovely soft textures in the rock, the fairytale cave dwellings, the spare vegetation growing vigorously from the stark but mineral-rich soil...
There are at least ten churches and chapels in the museum area, dating between 900 and 1200 A.D., and each one was named after a prominent attribute by the local villagers, who were exploring these caves long before there was an entrance fee! The paintings and decoration represent the flowering of a uniquely Cappadocian artistic style, while the Byzantine architectural features of the churches, like arches, columns, and capitals, are interesting in that not one of them is structurally necessary!
Further information
Gulf Air will get you to Istanbul from $2045 ex Sydney
Prices include taxes. Conditions apply.
Gulf Air
Telephone: 1300 366 337
Website: www.gulfairco.com
A Turkey in Style 15 day tour starts from $2745 a person, twin share. Includes accommodation, experienced guide, most meals & transfers
Imaginative Traveller
Telephone: 1300 135 088
Prices correct at 26/9/05
