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Tuff-slope landscapes, rock churches and viewpoints

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Rose Valley

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Rose Valley in Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey

Rose Valley is a natural landscape near the village of Göreme in Cappadocia, central Turkey. It is also called Güllüdere (Güllüdere). The name refers to the pinkish hues of the tuff-covered slopes, especially noticeable at sunset. The rocks and "fairy chimneys" are formed from soft volcanic tuff deposited by ancient eruptions.

The valley stretches between Göreme and the village of Çavuşin, and borders the Red Valley. They are separated by the ridge of Aktepe hill, whose slope hosts a popular viewpoint often called Sunset Point. The terrain includes narrow canyons, ridges and solitary stone pillars with whimsical shapes.

Byzantine-period churches have survived in the rock. Among them is the Church with Columns (Direkli Kilise), where fragments of wall paintings are visible. Nearby are other small rock-cut chapels with remnants of frescoes.

Footpaths run along the valley floor and slopes, linking the valley with the Red Valley and Çavuşin. Waymarking is incomplete in places, and the trails pass through passages cut into the tuff and low tunnels - a flashlight will come in handy. The area is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia".

Rose Valley: hiking routes and rock churches

Trails lead through canyons and rock ridges where remnants of ancient churches can be seen.

Sunset views from Aktepe and Byzantine rock churches

Visitors can enjoy walks through narrow gorges and side spurs with natural arches and short rock passages. Along the way you will encounter vineyards and abandoned terraces, evidence of Cappadocia's traditional agriculture. The pink tones of the rock change during the day, and at dawn the valley is often crossed by hot-air balloons.

Routes can be combined into short loops or point-to-point walks: some trails lead onto ridges and viewpoints, others follow the dry channels toward Çavuşin. There is a connection to the neighboring Meskendir Valley, where carved steps and narrow tunnels remain. The surface is uneven and slippery after rain, and shade is scarce - bring water, sturdy footwear and a small flashlight.

Rock churches are scattered along the valley's branches. The Church with Columns (Direkli Kilise) is notable for its supporting pillars and surviving wall paintings; other small chapels with fragments of ornamentation and crosses can also be found. Access to some chambers may be restricted for conservation reasons.

Nearby are the old rock quarters of Çavuşin with the large Church of St. John the Baptist, as well as Paşabağ (Monks Valley) with its characteristic "mushrooms". You can reach the area on foot from Göreme or Çavuşin via the trails, or by car to the viewpoints on the slope of Aktepe, where the main routes into the valley begin.

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