Cappadocia

Cappadocia is Turkey's most visually striking region, especially the "moonscape" area around the towns of Ürgüp, Göreme, (to name a few), where erosion has formed caves, fairy chimneys, and sensuous folds in the soft volcanic rock.

Cappadocia contains several underground cities, largely used by early Christians as hiding places before Christianity became an accepted religion. The underground cities have vast defence networks of traps throughout their many levels.

Today the area is a popular tourist destination, as it has many areas with unique geological, historic, and cultural features. The best historic mansions and cave houses for tourist stays are in Urgup, Goreme. The rocks of Cappadocia near Göreme eroded into hundreds of spectacular pillars and minaret-like forms. The lunar-like setting has become popular for hot-air ballooning.

Surprisingly tourists are assured of world class amenities offered by some hotel caves. Now that would be a good experience - living in a cave (albeit the inconvenience of one). Instead we can enjoy modern day marvels together with ancient ones. Quite unbelievable!