Göreme is a town in the Cappadocia region of Turkey, set among the striking rock formations that give the area its distinctive look. Tall, tapering spires of stone, known as fairy chimneys, rise around the town, and the landscape feels unlike most places you may have seen. Göreme sits in the country's central Anatolian highlands, straddling the meeting point of Asia and Europe in the broader sense of Turkey's geography.
What to see
The best-known attraction is the Göreme Open Air Museum. Here, Byzantine churches have been carved directly into the volcanic rock, and many of them keep their painted interiors. The frescoes are the reason many visitors come, and they give a clear sense of the religious life that once filled these rock-cut spaces. Allow time to move slowly between the chapels, since the rooms are small and the paintings reward a close look.
What the visit is like
- The museum is a walking visit, with paths that link the churches and carved spaces.
- The surrounding rock formations are visible from many points in the town, so you need not be inside the museum to appreciate the scenery.
- Hot air balloon flights at sunrise are a popular way to see the valleys from above. The landscape is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which adds to its significance.
Göreme works well as a base for exploring the wider Cappadocia area. Many visitors combine a stay here with walks through the valleys and time spent simply looking at the stone around them. The town is small enough to explore on foot, which suits a relaxed pace.
