Göreme Open Air Museum, Cappadocia, Turkey

On our way to Cappadocia

On our way to Cappadocia, we past by this vast expense of encrusted salt lake called Tuz Golu. During every summer, the salt percipitates and the salt is harvested, contributing to about 60% of Turkey's salt production. The salinity of the lake is among the highest in the world, around 33%.



Isn't it gorgeous? The beautiful scenery. So different from what I am used too. Lush greenery and all that.



I forgot the name of this rock cave dwellings perched on a hill. It was the first stop of our journey in Cappadocia. There is an entrance fee to climb this rock castle and the view from the top was fantastic.



And this is the breathtaking scenery from the top. Look at it! Isn't it absolutely beautiful? I was awed.


Göreme National Park

Göreme Open Air Museum is one Cappadocia's famous places. Unfortunately, when we arrived there, a couple of tour groups just arrived too and we had to wait our turns before we can enter into the small churches. The gorgeous Byzantine churches with its wall to wall religious frescos are the main highlights of the park.


Emali (Apple) Church

This was the first of many churches that we went into in the park. Frescos of scenes of navity, baptism, the last supper, the crucifixion - among others- covered the interior of the church, from top to bottom.



Flash photography is strictly forbidden inside the churches because of its damage to the invaluable frescos. Since the churches are only dimly lit and many had small entrances, taking pictures without the aid of the flash was difficult.



The church had been dated back to the mid 11th century. I do not know why it is called Apple Church. It would have been interesting to know why.



The scene of the crucifixion. Gorgeous frescos but the best is yet to come.....