Description of the attraction
The Valley of the Witch Trumpets is one of the most popular areas in Cappadocia, it has the shape of a triangle formed between the three main cities of this region: Avanos, Yurgup and the main transport hub - Nevsehir.
In the valley there are amazing amorphous rocks and formations, so unique that, with a great imagination, you can see a wide variety of animals in these figures. For many centuries, the inhabitants of this area have carved out dwellings in the rocks, which are labyrinths, tunnels, and also shops selling carpets. However, religious persecutions against the first Christians and attacks by Arabs forced the local population to hide and build temples and even entire cities underground.
Countless caves, bizarre mountains and cliffs have emerged here thanks to the erosion of frozen volcanic tuff. They have an amazing, sometimes very whimsical shape of cones, as well as pyramidal hills, crowned with huge stones that look like hats. From a distance they resemble mushrooms. They evoke completely different associations among local residents, who call them "Fairy Chimneys". This is due to the fact that over them, like smoke, trickles of clouds are hovering, arising from sudden changes in temperature. Local legend tells that these pillars are the chimneys of the fireplaces of the fairies who live underground. It seems that someone invisible is underground and is heating the stove. At different times of the year and depending on the position of the sun on the horizon, these stones can change their color. The "stone mushrooms" look especially spectacular at sunset, shimmering in pink, ocher-red and even purple.
These cones, according to legend, arose during the simultaneous eruption of three volcanoes a couple of tens of millions of years ago. Most of these pipes are located on the territory of the Avanos and Ukhchisar settlements. Amazing stone-idols, as if on a whim, rise above the Anatolian plateau. Some of them resemble sugar loaves, while others are like multifaceted prisms. There are also fancifully shaped towers, gates and walls. Their height sometimes reaches several tens of meters, and if we also take into account that they are painted in light and black tones, then a stunning picture is created directly.
Goreme - an open-air museum, is the largest attraction, where there are about thirty Byzantine churches carved into the rocks, decorated inside with beautiful frescoes dating back to the 9-11 centuries. The churches are quite inconspicuous from the outside, but their interior and central dome with a cruciform base are made in a characteristic Byzantine style.
The city of Goreme, located in the center of the Valley of the Witch Trumpets, is surrounded by fantastic and supernatural rock valleys and structures. It is all strewn with stone chapels, underground cities, dwellings and monasteries, which were carved in the 400th century. BC from volcanic rocks. Goreme is one of the few surviving settlements where people still live in the midst of houses carved from rocks and "fairy chimneys". There are several guesthouses, cafes and restaurants located right in the rock.
Talking about this land, locals proudly emphasize that one of the episodes of the film "Star Wars" was filmed here. This landscape seemed to the film crew the most unearthly. Indeed, the local area has become the hallmark of Cappadocia, impressing with its caps in the form of stone cones. By the way, it is they who flaunt on T-shirts and magnets, offered to tourists in the form of souvenirs. This city is the most convenient point for exploring local rock formations, vineyards, villages and other interesting places. Fairy Chimneys are best explored leisurely using a car, horse or balloon.
Valley of the Witch Trumpets is one of the world's best hot air ballooning destinations. Rare seekers of sharp adventures can deny themselves this pleasure. Large and bright balloons rise upward at dawn. At this time, the air in the valley is practically motionless. Beautiful balls slowly float between gorges, over valleys and hang among towers, pyramids and tuff pillars. Everyone in the hot air balloon feels like on an observation deck and has the opportunity to admire the endless fantastic landscapes created by nature from soft volcanic rocks for millions of years.
The pilots manage to deftly maneuver among the rocks, and bypass the "fairy chimneys", allowing tourists to fully enjoy the amazing landscapes, reminiscent of the plots of sci-fi Hollywood blockbusters. After landing, each passenger of the balloon is poured a glass of champagne and a special flight certificate is given as a keepsake. However, even without it, an unforgettable flight experience remains. And no matter how many times you go on such a journey, each one will be filled with new impressions.
