Göreme, Town center with cave dwellings in Cappadocia, Turkey.
Göreme is a town in Cappadocia known for its cave dwellings and rock formations carved into soft volcanic stone over centuries. The settlement contains many churches, homes, and underground passages that wind through this landscape.
The settlement emerged when early Christians sought refuge in the region and established monastic communities in the rock caves from the 5th century onward. Over time, it grew into an important religious center with many churches and monasteries.
The rock churches display religious artwork and frescoes from the Byzantine era that visitors can still see on the stone walls today. They reveal how people worshipped and expressed their faith in this place.
Visitors reach Göreme through Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport, located about 40 kilometers away, with regular shuttle services to the town center. Walking or renting a vehicle offers the best way to explore the cave settlements and rock formations.
People lived in the rock-carved homes until the 1970s before these dwellings were converted into hotels and guest houses. Visitors can still see rooms that show how everyday life once looked inside these stone caves.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.