Göreme National Park and the Rock Site of Cappadocia
Cappadocia Baloon
Date of Inscription to the World Heritage List: 6.12.1985
List Reference: 357 Criteria:Natural/ Cultural
DESIGNED BY NATURE: CAPPADOCIA
Cappadocia, which was inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985 on natural and cultural criteria, Is situated at a distance of 14 km from Nevsehir, and it covers a 40 square km area between the county seats of Avanos and Urgup.
Goreme National Park and Cappadocia is a unique design of nature with slopes full of fairy-chimneys, rich water resources at the base of the valley, abundant flora, and numerous rock cut, frescoed churches.
Cappadocia, which was sculpted out of the tuff of the Erclyes and Hasan Mountains through millions of years by sand and water erosion, became the seat of several civilisations, and a silent witness to the cultural history of Anatolia. Cappadocia also covers underground cities. These enchanting and only partially revealed subterranean cities of Cappadocia are believed to have deeper levels awaiting exploration. The most extraordinary underground cities are in the regions of Kaymakli, Derinkuyu, Mazl Ozkonak and Tatlarin. The underground cities, for long periods used as sanctuaries, were recently renovated and made available to visitors.
Visitors to Cappadocia encounter the most select examples of Seljuk and Ottoman art and architecture. The caravanserais of Egri Minare, Alayhan and Sultanhani, the caravanserai of Sarlhan, Tasklnpasa Mosque of Urgup, Sungur Bey and the Alaaddln Mosques of Nigde are among the many buildings worth visiting.To explore this mysterious territory and to witness its harmony of humanity and nature you should also visit Urgup, Uchisar, Avanos, Goreme, Cavusin, Ortahisar, Ihlara Gorge, Sinnassos (Mustafapasa), Soganli Gorge, Zelve Gorge and Guverclnlik Gorge.
Capadoccia, which reflects the harmonization of nature and mankind, is waiting for those who would like to discover this mysterious territory and witness the unique design of nature.