The Göreme Open-Air Museum in the namesake valley in the central Nevşehir Province is situated within natural rock caves and was created between the fourth and 13th centuries by Christian communities living there.
In 1985 it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The Cappadocia region is dubbed the “land of wonders” for its breathtaking natural scenery featuring mountain ranges and formations in sedimentary and volcanic rocks as a result of eruptions that occurred three million years ago.
To facilitate tourism, the Turkish Government has built roads and parking areas among the rock formations.
The area used to be a crucial religious center during the Byzantine era, with Christian devotees worshiping and living in structures hidden within the rocks. There are 30 churches, chapels, and monasteries.
The famous ones include Karanlik, Carikli, Elmali, Tokali, and Aziz Basil, but most tours typically take visitors to two to three churches. The church in the picture is Karanlik, one of the largest and was built in the 11th century.
Karanlik, also known as the Church of Darkness since it only has a small window to light the interior, is in the east of Göreme.
To enter the church, visitors have to traverse a winding tunnel. They are allowed to tour the church but not photograph and film inside.
This picture shows the architecture inside Tokalı Church, which was built around the 10th century, one of the earliest churches in the area.
Photography and the use of flashes are prohibited here to prevent damage to the site.
Situated near the museum is a modern town that is notable for its thousands of houses nestling in rock cliffs, creating a fascinating sight. The town offers a full range of restaurants, hotels, cafes, and souvenir shops catering to tourists.
The entrance fee at the Göreme Open-Air Museum is 20 euros (US$20.70). The place is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and it is recommended that visitors should go with a guide to understand the history, architecture and culture of the area.
To reach Cappadocia from Vietnam, travelers can fly from Hanoi or HCMC to Istanbul. On arriving in Istanbul, travelers can take a two-hour connecting flight to Cappadocia, and then a bus to the attractions.
