Goreme Historical National Park

I got up early in the morning in Göreme to find the skies cold and overcast—but the light was soft, perfect for wandering. After a warm, hearty breakfast at King’s Café, I set out for what I thought would be a simple morning walk. That walk turned into a full-day adventure exploring the Göreme Historical National Park.

This region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the world. The soft volcanic rock, shaped by wind and water over millions of years, created the iconic “fairy chimneys.” Early Christian communities carved entire churches, homes, and monasteries into these formations—some dating back to the 10th century. Inside the rock-cut chapels, you can still see fading frescoes that once guided hidden congregations through the stories of faith.

As the day went on, the weather shifted. So did the light—revealing the surreal beauty of Göreme’s valleys, cave dwellings, and quiet echoes of a very old world.