Legendary Ihlara Valley and mysterious underground cities of Aksaray, an extension of Cappadocia.
Serving as the western gateway to the Cappadocia region, Aksaray offers a unique nature and history route with its canyons formed by millions of years of volcanic activity and rivers. Packed into a short span of two days, this intensive program is designed for adventurous travelers wishing to explore the legendary Ihlara Valley's unique flora, its rock churches on steep slopes, and the mysterious living spaces extending deep underground. An journey within history carved into volcanic tuff rocks awaits you.
Your route begins with a visit to the Aksaray Müzesi, which provides comprehensive information about the region's rich archaeological and ethnographic past. In the light of this in-depth information, you turn your route to the Aşıklı Höyük excavation site, one of the oldest known village settlements in Anatolia, holding important clues about the history of agriculture and animal husbandry. You then turn your attention to the mysterious underground world, examining the narrow tunnels of the Saratlı yeraltı şehri, notable for its multi-story structure carved into the rocks by early Christians for security. You end the first day by seeing the ruins of the Pürenli Seki Kilise, one of the earliest examples of rock churches, its visitors with its original murals.
The second day is dedicated to the Ihlara Valley, shaped over thousands of years by the Melendiz River gliding from the skirts of Mount Hasan. You start the day by exploring the Selime Katedrali, resembling a castle with its structure carved into a massive fairy chimney. Next, descending into the canyon from the entrance of the Ihlara Vadisi Örenyeri, the lifeblood of the region, you embark on a pleasant walk accompanied by the sounds of water and birds. You complete this journey of nature and history by visiting matchless historical heritages such as the Yılanlı Kilise and Kokar Kilise, which reflect the belief system of the period with their extraordinary depictions, among hundreds of structures hidden on steep slopes along the canyon.