Exploring Cappadocia: A Journey Through Time with Friends

Underground Wonders & Ancient Echoes

Today, my friends and I ventured into the heart of Cappadocia, exploring the region's historical and spiritual tapestry. It was a day of contrasts, descending into the depths of an underground city and then standing in awe before a church adorned with ancient frescoes. These experiences offered profound insights into the lives and beliefs of those who came before us.

Our day started with a hearty breakfast at Lil'a Restaurant by Museum Hotel. The setting was elegant, and the food was a delightful introduction to Turkish cuisine. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploration. I had heard that the chef, Saygın Sesli, uses local ingredients from their garden and revisits Anatolian dishes with a modern twist. The breakfast buffet was amazing, and they even made gozleme to order, which is my favorite Turkish dish! Although one reviewer mentioned their dinner experience wasn't great, I'm glad our breakfast was great. I made sure to grab an extra bottle of water, remembering my forgotten sunglasses and power adapter from the packing list.


Experience authentic Turkish cuisine with breathtaking views at Lil'a Restaurant in Uçhisar's Museum Hotel.

With our appetites satisfied, we set off to explore Derinkuyu Underground City. This ancient marvel is one of the largest excavated underground cities in Turkey, and it was absolutely fascinating. As we descended into the city, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. Imagine, entire communities living beneath the earth, creating a self-sufficient world far removed from the dangers above.


Uncover the secrets of Derinkuyu Underground City, an ancient marvel in Cappadocia, blending rich history with stunning subterranean architecture.

The city is believed to have been built by the Phrygians around the 8th-7th centuries BC and was later expanded by Christians seeking refuge from persecution. It's hard to believe that this city could house up to 20,000 people! The complex network of tunnels, chambers, and rooms included living quarters, kitchens, stables, schools, and even churches. The ingenuity of the people who built this city is truly remarkable. I was particularly impressed by the ventilation system and the well that provided fresh, clean water.

“The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.”

As we wandered through the narrow passageways, I tried to imagine what life must have been like for those who lived here. The constant darkness, the close quarters, the ever-present threat of discovery – it must have taken incredible resilience and a strong sense of community to survive in such conditions. It was a humbling experience, reminding me of the challenges faced by those who came before us.

After emerging from the depths of Derinkuyu, we drove to the charming town of Gülşehir to visit St. Jean Church. This two-story church dates back to the 13th century and is known for its well-preserved frescoes. The lower floor was used as a wine cellar, water channel, and burial chamber, while the upper floor served as the church itself.


Explore the magnificent St. Jean Church in Gülşehir, a captivating blend of spirituality and history in Turkey's stunning Nevşehir region.

The frescoes in St. Jean Church are truly stunning. They depict scenes from the Bible, including the life of Jesus Christ, the Last Judgment, and the crucifixion. The colors are still vibrant, and the details are incredibly intricate. One of the unique features of this church is the Last Judgment scene, which is rarely found in Cappadocia. It shows the second coming of Christ, with the righteous being led to heaven and the sinners being cast into hell.

I was particularly moved by the depiction of St. John the Baptist, who is holding a scroll with the words “Ecce Agnus Dei” (“Behold the Lamb of God”). As a cultural mediator, I'm always fascinated by the ways in which different cultures and religions express their beliefs and values. St. Jean Church is a beautiful example of the rich religious and cultural heritage of Cappadocia.

After our visit to St. Jean Church, we stopped by Cappadocia Antique Culturel Collection. I had heard that it's a great place to find authentic Turkish crafts and unique souvenirs. The shop was filled with beautiful handcrafted items, from traditional textiles and pottery to intricate jewelry and decorative arts. I ended up buying a small rug with a traditional Anatolian design. It will be a wonderful reminder of my time in Cappadocia.


Explore the charm of Cappadocia through unique gifts and cultural artifacts at the Antique Cultural Collection, a must-visit for every traveler.

For lunch, we enjoyed a delightful meal at Wooden Spoon Cave Restaurant. The restaurant is situated in a cave, which added to the unique ambiance. We ordered the lamb pottery kebab and chicken shish kebab, which were both excellent. The meats were well-marinated, juicy, and tender. I have to agree with the reviewers who say it's one of the best meals in Turkey! I was glad to see they offer vegan options too.


Discover authentic Turkish cuisine in a breathtaking cave setting at Wooden Spoon Cave Restaurant in Göreme.

Our final stop for the day was dinner at Haruna Cappadocia. The restaurant had impeccable service and amazing views! Mr. Sinan offered us an opportunity to experience the taste of Cappadocia. The red wine and baklava were a must! I was so happy to see that Carus Cappadocia is getting amazing reviews, and I couldn't wait to try their Haruna Restaurant. I made sure to try the local wines like the reviewer said, since Cappadocia is home to vineyards and wineries.


Experience authentic Turkish cuisine in an enchanting setting at Haruna Cappadocia - where every dish tells a story.

As I reflect on today's adventures, I'm struck by the resilience and ingenuity of the human spirit. The people who built Derinkuyu Underground City and adorned St. Jean Church with beautiful frescoes faced immense challenges, yet they created lasting monuments to their beliefs and values. Their stories remind me of the importance of embracing diversity, preserving cultural heritage, and finding strength in community.

Tomorrow, we're planning to explore Kızılcukur Valley (Gün batımı) and Rose Valley, and then enjoy a drink at Panoramic Rooftop BAR. I am excited to see what other amazing experiences await us in Cappadocia! I've heard that the sunset views at Kızılcukur Valley are breathtaking, so I'm definitely looking forward to that.

I'm also excited to visit Rose Valley, which is known for its unique rock formations and hiking trails. I'm sure it will be a great opportunity to get some exercise and enjoy the natural beauty of Cappadocia. I wonder what my friend Lukas would think of this trip, he would probably be amazed by the architecture of the cave hotels.

Before I end this blog, I want to say that I am so happy that I decided to come to Cappadocia. This trip has been a wonderful opportunity to learn about a new culture, connect with new people, and challenge myself in new ways. I hope that my blog inspires you to embark on your own adventures and discover the beauty and diversity of our world. I'm so glad I took the plunge and booked this trip with my friends. I'm sure we'll be talking about these memories for years to come.

I'm also grateful for the opportunity to share my experiences with you, my readers. Your support and encouragement mean the world to me. Thank you for joining me on this journey!

Until tomorrow,
Eman