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Cappadocia in central Turkey is a surreal landscape of 'fairy chimneys' — tall, thin spires of volcanic tuff carved by millennia of erosion — along with cave churches, underground cities, and ancient human habitation dating back 10,000 years. Early Christians carved elaborate cave churches into the rock, covering them with frescoes in the Byzantine style.
The underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli could shelter up to 20,000 people each, extending 18 levels below ground with ventilation shafts, wells, and stone doors. Hot air balloon rides over the landscape at sunrise — hundreds of colorful balloons floating over the fairy chimneys — are one of the world's most photographed travel experiences.
# Top 10 Cappadocia Turkey facts
- 1The underground city of Derinkuyu extends 18 stories underground and sheltered up to 20,000 people
- 2Early Christians carved hundreds of cave churches into Cappadocia's rock faces
- 3Cappadocia is the most photographed hot air balloon destination in the world
Fascinating Facts
- ◆The underground city of Derinkuyu extends 18 stories underground and sheltered up to 20,000 people
- ◆Early Christians carved hundreds of cave churches into Cappadocia's rock faces
- ◆Cappadocia is the most photographed hot air balloon destination in the world
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