Photos of Göreme
Göreme National Park
Göreme National Park in Cappadocia, Turkey
Göreme National Park is a protected natural and cultural area in central Cappadocia, near the village of Göreme (Nevşehir Province). Since 1985 the park, together with the rock sites of Cappadocia, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park's landscapes are formed of soft volcanic tuffs created by eruptions of Erciyes (3,917 m), Hasan and Göllüdağ. Over millions of years wind and water have eroded the rocks, shaping valleys, ridges and the characteristic stone pillars.
From early Christian times the tuff was used to carve dwellings, monasteries and churches. The most notable churches date from the 10th to 13th centuries and are adorned with frescoes. A key attraction is the Göreme Open-Air Museum, which contains several groups of rock-cut churches; the museum has its own ticketing and opening hours.
Hiking trails run through the park and its surroundings, linking Göreme with Uçhisar, Çavuşin, Avanos and Ürgüp. Hot air balloon flights usually take place at dawn and depend on weather and permits. This is a protected area - stick to marked paths and do not damage the rock formations. The climate is semi-arid: hot summers and cool winters with possible snowfall.
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Göreme National Park is a protected natural and cultural area in central Cappadocia, near the village of Göreme (Nevşehir Province). Since 1985 the park, together with the rock sites of Cappadocia, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park's landscapes are formed of soft volcanic tuffs created by eruptions of Erciyes (3,917 m), Hasan and Göllüdağ. Over millions of years wind and water have eroded the rocks, shaping valleys, ridges and the characteristic stone pillars.
From early Christian times the tuff was used to carve dwellings, monasteries and churches. The most notable churches date from the 10th to 13th centuries and are adorned with frescoes. A key attraction is the Göreme Open-Air Museum, which contains several groups of rock-cut churches; the museum has its own ticketing and opening hours.
Hiking trails run through the park and its surroundings, linking Göreme with Uçhisar, Çavuşin, Avanos and Ürgüp. Hot air balloon flights usually take place at dawn and depend on weather and permits. This is a protected area - stick to marked paths and do not damage the rock formations. The climate is semi-arid: hot summers and cool winters with possible snowfall.
Explore medieval churches, trails and panoramic views in a protected area.
Rock-cut churches and the valleys between Göreme and Uçhisar
The Göreme Open-Air Museum illustrates the development of rock-cut monasticism and painting in Cappadocia. Here you can see the Tokalı, Dark, Apple, Snake and Çarıklı churches with biblical scenes painted on their frescoes. Entrance to the museum is paid, and visiting the Dark Church usually requires an additional fee; exact opening hours vary by season.
Popular walking routes include the Rose and Red Valleys, Love Valley (Bağlıdere) and Pigeon Valley between Göreme and Uçhisar. Trails are marked and pass through vineyards, gardens and old dovecotes carved into the rock. Paths connect to Çavuşin, Ortahisar and other settlements; surfaces are sometimes loose, so comfortable footwear and a water supply are recommended.
Vegetation consists of steppe grasses and shrubs on the slopes, while valley bottoms feature vegetable plots and vineyards. For panoramic views, try the viewpoints by Uçhisar Castle and the hills on the edge of Göreme. Balloon flights depart from sites around Göreme and Çavuşin at dawn, operating when weather conditions are suitable and with permission from aviation authorities.
Nearby are Pasabag (Monks Valley) and the Zelve Open-Air Museum, and pottery workshops operate in Avanos. The area is easily reached by dolmuş minibuses from Nevşehir, Ürgüp and Avanos; the entrance to the Open-Air Museum is about 1.5 km from the center of Göreme and can be reached on foot or by local bus.
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