What is it
An area of rock formations and rock-hewn dwellings, featuring: Valleys, deep underground cities, fairy chimneys, byzantine churches, open-air museums, and rock-hewn dwellings
Where is it
Central Turkey
Did you know?
The underground cities were carved out to be up to 10 levels deep? (more facts)
A little more on Cappadocia
Cappadocia is an area that comprises of valleys, deep underground cities, fairy chimneys, byzantine churches, open-air museums, and rock-hewn dwellings. This truly surreal landscape was formed around 2- 10 million years ago when surrounding volcanoes erupted and covered the area with layers of volcanic ash and debris. These layers compacted together to form a soft rock named Tuff. A final layer of hard lava provided protection of the softer rock below. Over the years, cracks have formed and water and wind have found ways to carve out amazing landscapes that look like they are from another world.
Human settlement in Cappadocia dates back to Neolithic times. The greatest impact to the environment was in the 7th century when fleeing Christians burrowed down into the soft rock for protection. They created byzantine churches with frescos, monasteries and complex self-contained underground cities, which where up to 8-10 levels deep.
