Introduction
Between the 7th and 11th centuries AD Cappadocia became a refuge for persecuted Christians, who carved a life for themselves from the soft volcanic tuff that is so abundant here. Ever since the arrival of these early inhabitants people have been carving their homes out of the hillside, creating an ever-expanding network of red rock facades and underground caverns.
Produce such as pottery and wine has been made locally for centuries and it's the preservation of these traditions that make Cappadocia so special. However, an exploration of the rock caverns provides the real highlight of this visit. Here you might stumble upon one of the 150 vibrant Christian Frescos that the region's first settlers left behind.
Don't limit your trip to the caverns themselves, as a hot air balloon trip across the Kizilirmak River basin at sunset offers an unforgettable view of a landscape created by raging volcanoes, erosion and the rough-hewn toil of human hands.
