Babacik Valley
Babacik Valley means Father Valley in Turkish, it is one of the many incredible moon-like valleys that make up the Cappadocia region. The valley is filled with natural rock formations, fairy chimneys, pigeon houses and troglodyte caves. Bronze age settlers began digging into the soft volcanic tuff thousands of years ago and Early Christians built their churches into the rocks and cliffs. Monks once inhabited the conical caves that sit upon thick pillars, some as tall as 15 meters, climbing up steep staircases and sleeping on the hard rock. There is undoubtedly a lot to discover in this small valley.
Two stunning rock-hewn churches are located within Babacik Valley, time-worn frescoes adorn the stone walls and they both host magnificent memorials.
Babacik Valley is located close to Goreme Village and the UNESCO Open Air Museum. Goreme is the main town in the region and an ideal place to base yourself when visiting Cappadocia, you can choose from a range of Cave Hotels and local Guesthouses. Full-day and half-day excursions leave from Goreme to visit Babacik Valley as well as other popular locations with unique geological features such as Pigeon Valley, Zemi Valley, Ilhara Valley and Sword Valley. Babacik Valley can be visited on foot following a clear hiking trail which begins on the outskirts of Goreme Village, but thrill-seekers may prefer to explore on Horseback or Quad Bike or see the valley and surrounding landscape from the basket of a Hot Air Balloon.