Blog Cappadociya

Between the 10th and 11th centuries, Cappadocia enjoyed a period of opulence that increased the construction of rock-hewn churches and monasteries.

Most of the churches were decorated with expensive ornaments. There are about 600 churches and it is believed that there are more yet to be discovered.

Walking through the church, one can admire the beautiful frescoes that have retained their colours.

Some of the frescoes have been damaged due to superstition and erosion. superstitious locals scratched out the eyes of some of the figures due to fear of the Evil Eye.

5. Cappadocia has an open-air museum

Photo by Klaus-Peter Simon – Wikimedia

The Göreme Open-Air Museum has some of the best known religious complexes in the area.

It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and was the first in Turkey. This was together with the other rock sites of Cappadocia.

This open air-museum looks like a monastery with its own church side by side. Tourists visiting Cappadocia make this museum their first stop.

The church buildings present unique examples of rock-hewn architecture and frescoes. These churches date back to the 10th, 11th and 12th centuries.

Cappadocia was once an ancient district in east-central Anatolia. It is located along the rocky plateau in the centre of present-day Turkey.

The landscape of the place has dramatic stretches of soft volcanic rocks. The shapes of these rocks were a result of constant wind erosion. This has resulted in towers, cones, valleys and caves.

Some churches were carved from the rocks, underground cities and tunnels. These structures date back to the Byzantine and Islamic eras.

It was formerly occupied by the Hittite Empire that saw the rise of Christian philosophers.

Cappadocia has served as a backdrop for fascinating rich history. It remains to be a popular attraction in Turkey. A popular activity here is taking a hot air balloon.

Here are ten interesting facts you might want to know about the Cappadocia.