When you think of Cappadocia, it is hard not to think of its famed hot air balloon rides that have been dominating social media and travel blogs. While the experience such rides off is undoubtedly one for the books, there is more to Cappadocia than hot air balloons.
For those looking to visit this part of Turkey, here are five other things you can do in Cappadocia.
Visit the Göreme Historical National Park
It's pretty much a sin to visit Cappadocia and not explore the rest of Göreme, where the hot air balloon rides can be found. In fact, the Göreme National Park was listed as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in 1985.
"In a spectacular landscape, entirely sculpted by erosion, the Göreme valley and its surroundings contain rock-hewn sanctuaries that provide unique evidence of Byzantine art in the post-Iconoclastic period," UNESCO describes. "Dwellings, troglodyte villages and underground towns – the remains of a traditional human habitat dating back to the 4th century – can also be seen there."
Göreme is home to churches that have been carved into its rocks. Among the churches that can be found are the Dark (Karanlık) Church and Tokalı (Buckled) Church.
Try Testi Kebab
A dish described by Go Turkiye as "unique dish to Cappadocia," Testi Kebab (otherwise known as Clay Pot Kebab) is basically a dish of meat, lentils, and vegetables that are cooked in a sealed clay pot. Needless to say, in order to eat the kebab inside, you will have to break the clay pot.
It is best paired with local wine, which brings us to the third thing you can do in Cappadocia.
Visit a Vineyard to Enjoy Local Wines
Cappadocia's winemaking tradition has been around for thousands of years. Anatolian grapes such as Öküzgözü, Emir, and Kalecik Karası all grow within the area.
Vineyards are typicall open to visitors all year long, so it shouldn't be difficult to add a vineyard or two to your itinerary.
Head to Uçhisar Castle
Before you think that Uçhisar Castle is an actual castle like those you see in Europe, that isn't exactly the case. It is actually a rock formation that is over 60 meters high.
The rooms and passageways that are found within its area once served as residences, though no one longer resides there. Numerous fairy chimneys (otherwise known as hoodoos) as well as the Church of St. Basil can be found at the Uçhisar Castle.
Explore the Derinkuyu Underground City
The region of Cappadocia is home to a couple of ancient underground cities. One of which is known as the Derinkuyu Underground City, which has a depth of around 85 meters.
The multi-level underground city is said to have once accommodated 20,000 people. It likewise once had churches, cellars, wine and oil presses, refectories, and even a missionary school.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
