Ihlara Valley. Between nature and biblical stories
The Ihlara Valley is located in one of the most spectacular regions in Turkey, known for its sculpted erosion formations that take the form of chimneys or mushrooms: Cappadocia
If you are in the area, put on the list a hike in the picturesque canyon! The Melendiz stream sculpted with the winds and rains, the soft, volcanic rocks, and now it meanders softly. The gorge stretches over a length of 14 km, among massive basalt columns, evidence of volcanic activity in the area.
Located at the eastern foot of Mount Hasan Dagi, the volcano whose eruption formed the famous cliffs, Ihlara Canyon was a refuge for Byzantine monks. So, beyond the dream landscape, what makes the valley unique is ancient history. Hundreds of rock-cut houses and cave churches from the Byzantine period, built by the Greeks in Cappadocia, will take you back in time. Biblical stories with colourful frescoes left intact, reside in the Christian churches carved here, dating from the first centuries after Christ.
After descending more than 400 steps, you enter the canyon. Depending on your physical condition, you decide whether to cover 3.7 or 14 km. Walk almost 3 km from the entrance on paths lined with shrubs, accompanied by the murmur of water and the chirping of walkways, then you can rest at the cafe that offers impressive views over the area. After another 4 km, you can have lunch on the wooden platforms of local restaurants. With fresh forces, continue for another 7 km. The most popular part is in the first 5 km because this part contains most of the cave churches.
The entrance fee to the canyon is about 30 Turkish lira.
Don't forget to buy a bottle of water from the boutique in front of the ticket office!
If you are not by car, turn to the tourist offices in Goreme that offer tours in the region, as most also include the Ihlara Valley. For example, The Green Tour with Trekking in the Ihlara Valley includes: visiting the largest underground city in Turkey - Derinkuyu, exploring the Ihlara Valley and the Pigeon Valley. Price approximately -50 euro/person
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