Exploring the Enchanting Landscapes of Goreme, Turkey

Echoes of the Past, Visions of the Future

Today was a day of contrasts, a journey that took us deep beneath the earth and then soaring amidst fantastical rock formations. It's remarkable how much history and natural beauty can be packed into a single day here in Goreme. I am especially enjoying sharing these experiences with Elke and Maximilian, watching their faces light up with wonder as we uncover the secrets of this ancient land.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at TUMA Restaurant. The views from TUMA were, as always, stunning. The vista of Cappadocia stretching out before us as we enjoyed our Turkish coffee was the perfect way to start the day. It's these quiet moments, sharing a meal with my family against such a backdrop, that I will cherish long after we've returned to Heidelberg.


Discover exquisite Turkish cuisine at TUMA Restaurant in Göreme, where authentic flavors meet stunning views.

Fueled and ready for adventure, we set off to explore the Özkonak Underground City. As a restorer of antique furniture, I'm naturally drawn to places where history is palpable, where the echoes of past lives resonate in the very stones beneath our feet. Descending into Özkonak was like stepping back in time, imagining the lives of those who sought refuge in its depths centuries ago.


Discover the ancient secrets of Özkonak Underground City, a historical marvel hidden beneath the picturesque Cappadocia landscape.

The city itself is an incredible feat of engineering, a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers carved into the soft volcanic rock. It's hard to fathom how they managed to create such a complex and well-ventilated space with the tools available to them. Maximilian was particularly fascinated by the narrow holes that were used for communication and, potentially, for defense. Elke, with her librarian's mind, was captivated by the idea of a community living entirely underground, preserving their culture and traditions in the face of adversity.

Exploring the tunnels, I couldn't help but think of my own work, the painstaking process of restoring a piece of furniture to its former glory. In a way, it felt like I was doing the same thing here, piecing together the fragments of the past to understand the lives of those who came before us. The Özkonak Underground City is believed to have been established in the Byzantine era, around the 5th or 6th century AD. It is thought to have been used by early Christians to escape persecution and raids. It's a humbling experience to walk in their footsteps, to feel the weight of history pressing in from all sides.

Emerging from the depths of Özkonak, blinking in the sunlight, it felt as though we had traveled not just through space, but through time itself. We surfaced from the city with our minds buzzing from the experience. After our subterranean exploration, we were ready for a change of scenery and a bit of lunch. We drove to WOOD FIRE BARBEQUE for lunch. The aroma of grilled meats filled the air as we approached. I opted for the lamb, while Elke chose the tomato salads. Maximilian, ever the adventurous one, went for the tenderloin.


Indulge in mouthwatering barbecue delights at Wood Fire Barbeque in Göreme – where tradition meets taste in every bite.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are those that transport us beyond the familiar, allowing us to see the world, and ourselves, in a new light.

After lunch, we set out for Imagination Valley, also known as Devrent Valley. This place is unlike anything I've ever seen, a landscape sculpted by wind and water into a collection of bizarre and wonderful rock formations. As we wandered through the valley, it was impossible not to let our imaginations run wild, spotting familiar shapes in the eroded stone. Maximilian was quick to point out a camel, while Elke saw a dolphin leaping from the rocks. I myself was struck by a formation that resembled a praying Mary, a testament to the spiritual significance of this region.


Experience the enchanting landscapes of Imagination Valley, where nature's artistry creates whimsical rock formations that spark creativity and wonder.

Unlike other valleys in Cappadocia, Imagination Valley was never inhabited by humans. There are no rock-hewn churches or ancient castles, nor are there any troglodyte caves or pigeon homes. Instead, what draws visitors to Devrent Valley is the incredible pink-hued rock formations and geological anomalies that have been formed by centuries of erosion.

The sun began to dip below the horizon as we made our way back to Goreme, casting long shadows across the valley. The landscape took on an ethereal quality, the rocks glowing with a soft, otherworldly light. It was the perfect end to a day of exploration and discovery.

For dinner, we decided to try Cratus premium restaurant & Lounge. The reviews were excellent, and we were eager to experience their take on Turkish cuisine. We were not disappointed. The restaurant was cozy, and the service was impeccable. Elke and I shared the meat kebabs, while Maximilian opted for the lamb shanks. Each dish was a masterpiece of flavor and presentation, a testament to the culinary artistry of the region.


Experience exquisite dining at Cratus Premium Restaurant & Lounge in Göreme, where local flavors meet international cuisine amidst breathtaking views.

After dinner, we strolled through the town, soaking in the atmosphere of Goreme. The air was filled with the sounds of music and laughter, the scent of spices and grilling meats. We stopped at Pasha cafe bistro for a nightcap. The Pasha cafe bistro had a very pleasant atmosphere. Maximilian and I enjoyed a beer while Elke had some coffee. The prices were low, and the staff was efficient.


Experience the vibrant flavors of Turkish cuisine at Pasha Cafe Bistro, a lively hotspot in Göreme with delicious food, cocktails, and live music.

As I sit here now, writing in my journal, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the experiences we shared today. Goreme has a way of captivating the soul, of reminding us of the beauty and wonder that exists in the world. Tomorrow, we plan to visit Butterfly Balloons and Kaymaklı. I am eager to see what new adventures await us, what other secrets this ancient land has to reveal. And I am grateful to be sharing it all with my beloved Elke and Maximilian.

Cappadocia has several festivals. The Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Festival is scheduled to take place between August 7th and August 10th. Also, the Cappadocia Techno Festival will take place from June 20 to June 24.