Ancient Goreme National Park

Göreme National Park is located in the central part of Turkey, which is a volcanic region of the country that includes Mount Erciyes and Mount Hasan. The national park boundaries encompass an area of 39 square miles (100 sq km).

Neither Mount Hasan, with a peak at 10,673 feet (3,253 m) nor Mount Erciyes with a peak of 12,851 feet (3,917 m) are in the park boundaries, however, they can be seen when visiting the park. Both are picturesque mountain volcanoes that enhance the intriguing landscape of the region.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was created in plateaus and big hills that have been eroded by rivers and wind. These plateaus and hills are comprised of basalt and combined with volcanic ash from historical eruptions of the volcanoes. The heart of the national park is the intersecting underground settlements that were built into the rocky landscapes.  These settlements and surrounding rocky terrain have experienced an abundance of erosion.

The erosion has left behind stunning hoodoo rock formations that include fairy chimneys, pillars, rock towers, and tent rocks. The softer layers of these rock formations made it easy for dwellings to be dug into the hills.

This historical Turkish cultural feature is a highlight of the park. The imagination that resulted in this complex system of underground system of storehouses, religious worship sites, stables for animals, and living quarters is mesmerizing.

The tunnels and underground connections reveal an 8-story deep city system amongst these hoodoo rock formations that is incredible. Parts of the area still contain homes of locals wherase other parts have been turned into hotel space for visitors. As you discover and explore Goreme, you will return to ancient times while envisioning the lives of those who discovered this unique haven.