From The Fairy Chimneys of Goreme by Michael & Erin

Goreme is the heart of the Cappadocia region, famous for the “fairy chimneys,” beautiful and strange cone-like structures built from the soft rock that resulted from the ash that covered the town after the eruption of Mount Erciyes roughly 2000 years ago. Travelers come to Goreme to see these incredible structures, visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, and explore the underground cities found here. RealTravelers Michael & Erin, who are currently on a round the world adventure, enjoyed touring Goreme, a UNESCO World Heritage site. They provide today’s travel photo of the day, described in their journal, The Fairy Chimneys of Goreme:

“Here there is a valley of the fantastic fairy chimneys (like the HooDoos of the Canadian Rockies). First nature carved these tall pinnacles and then humans carved churches, homes, and restaurants inside them. A great way to beat the heat as they maintain cool temperatures through out summer. Our hotel was built into the hill side, and we kept cool in it.

A full day was spent on an organized tour of the underground city of Derinkuyu and of the Ilhara valley. The underground city was one of perhaps 200 that were built as temporary refuge from invaders. In Derinkuyu 2000 people could live for 2 weeks before they would have to surface and clean out the sewage and get some fresh air. Really neat cities, equipped with doors of heavy round stone that could be rolled into place if the invaders did happen to find an entrance, which was unlikely. In fact the underground cities were lost for hundreds of years after the original builders did not need them anymore. Walking through the Ilhara Valley was very peaceful, as there were olive trees and poplars to shelter us from the heat, and a little stream that bubbled and cooled your feet along the way.” (more…)

Useful Links:
Goreme Travel Guide
Turkey Travel Guide
Turkey Travel Blogs