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 The
Goreme Open-Air Museum, a monastic complex
of rock churches and chapels covered with
frescoes, is one of the best known sites in
central Turkey. Most of the chapels date from
the 10th to the 13th century, the Byzantine
and Seljuk periods, and many of them are built
on an inscribed cross plan with a central
cupola supported by four columns.
At Cavusin, on the road leading north out
of Goreme, you will find a triple apse church
and the monastery of St. John the Baptist.
In the town are chapels and churches, and
some of the rock houses are still inhabited.
From Cavusin to Zelve fairy chimneys line
the road. Unfortunately, it is dangerous to
visit the churches in the valley because erosion
has undermined solid footing
The charming town of Avanos, on the banks
of the Kizilirmak River, displays
attractive vernacular architecture and is
known for its handicrafts. Every August the
town hosts an Art and Tourism Festival where
a creative and friendly atmosphere pervades.
The underground cities of Kaymakli, Mazi,
Derinkuyu and Ozkonak were all used by the
Christians of the seventh century as places
of retreat in order to escape persecution.
 West
of Cappadocia, over the mountains, lies Kayseri,
known as Caesarea in Roman times. The city
spreads out at the foot of Mt. Erciyes (3916
meters), an extinct volcano. In the winter
months the ski center has excellent runs for
downhill skiers. Close to the Byzantine fortress
the 13th century Huant Mosque and Medrese
and the Mahperi Hatun Mausoleum comprise the
first Seljuk complex in Anatolia.
Nigde, the Nahita of Hittite times,
lies in a valley flanked by volcanic
peaks and commands the ancient trade
route from Anatolia to the Mediterranean.
Nigde's castle owes its present form
to the Seljuks, and the elegant Alaeddin
Mosque dates from the same period. From
the 14th century era of Mongol rule
are the Sungur Bey Mosque and the Hudavend
Hatun Mausoleum. an excellent example
of the Anatolian tomb tower. The 15th
century Ak Medrese now houses the Archaeological
Museum.
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