Cappadocia

Cappadocia in central Turkey is best known for the fantastical spectacle of hundreds of hot air balloons soaring freely. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1985, Cappadocia spans a vast region. From its summit, the scenery offers a breathtaking, apocalyptic vista. Known for its unique geological formations, it's also known as the "Fairy Chimneys." Cappadocia's origins lie primarily in the lava flows of volcanic eruptions. This lava flowed through and filled the basin, then weathered over time by snow, wind, and sun. The varying composition and age of the lava resulted in varying rates of weathering, resulting in the present unique landscape over tens of thousands of years. The large, conical formations are the result of years of erosion of fine volcanic ash. Ancient civilizations carved the rocks here into dwellings, fortresses (such as Uchisar Castle), and even created entire underground cities that could accommodate five to six thousand people and reached eight levels underground, like a maze! Entire underground cities like Kaymakli and Derinkuyu were used as refuges for Christians.