About Cappadocia
Cappadocia lies on the rugged plateau north of the Taurus Mountains, where volcanic rock has been sculpted by erosion into striking cones, towers, valleys, and caves. Across this terrain stand rock-cut churches and underground tunnel complexes dating from Byzantine and Islamic eras.
Roots of Christianity
The Bible mentions that Jews from Cappadocia were present in Jerusalem at Pentecost (Acts 2:9) and that early Christian communities here faced persecution (1 Peter 1:1).
Age of Rock-Cut Churches
During the 10th and 11thcenturies, Cappadocia thrived, inspiring the construction of numerous churches and monasteries carved into rock, many still decorated with vivid frescoes.
Cappadocia Today
Modern Cappadocia spans from Kayseri to Aksaray, featuring highlights such as the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, and Goreme National Park, renowned for its remarkable rock-cut churches and dwellings.
- First mentioned in Persian inscriptions of the 6th century BCE, Cappadocia was called Katpatuka, meaning “land of beautiful horses”.
- Alexander the Great passed through the region after defeating the Persians at Gaugamela in 331 BCE but left it semi-independent.
- Hot-air ballooning is popular because Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and valleys are most breathtaking when viewed from above, with calm weather offering ideal conditions.
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