Also known as Monks Valley, Pasabag is one of Cappadocia’s most beautiful and popular tourist attractions. It is an area dotted with lots of limestone fairy chimneys which apparently provided hiding places for monks in times past, mainly during the Byzantine period and during conflicts with neighbouring countries. Apart from the area’s unique and bizarre geological formations, there is a chapel carved into the rock dedicated to St. Simeon, who is said to have lived in this region during the fifth century.
Located 2 kilometres from Çavasin, heading in the direction of Zelve, Pasabag Valley is also known as Hermits’ Valley because so many went there to meditate, pray and lead a contemplative life. The area, naturally, looks like a forest of tuff pinnacles, that can reach a height of up to 10 metres. In the surrounding area, there are a large number of vineyards producing the fruit that since the time of the Hittites has been made into a high quality wine which is now known the world over.
- The natural context of Pasabag Valley
- What you can see on your visit
- Advice and information for your visit
The natural context of Pasabag Valley
The peculiar rock formations that once attracted monks and priests are now one of Cappadocia’s major tourist attractions. Pasabag, which in Turkish means ‘Pasha’s valley’, is such a special place that it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. Here, you can see Nature at its most playful, and the beauty that this can produce. You can also see how human beings have adapted these geological formations to meet their own needs, by making them into monasteries, churches, chapels, tunnels, windmills and settlements carved into the natural rock. The shape of the fairy chimneys resembles that of a mushroom, and some can have up to three rock caps or chimneys — including the one that provided refuge for Saint Simeon, who lived here as a recluse for 15 years.
What you can see on your visit
To visit Pasabag Valley is to step into a world that seems to belong to a fairy story. Its quirky, conical geological formations, known as ‘fairy chimneys’ seems to have grown by magic from the soil of this amazing valley. Here you can see one of the locations chosen for the filming of ‘Star Wars’, and discover many fairy chimneys, some converted into chapels, such as the one that served as a refuge for Saint Simeon and which now has several crosses at its entrance. It appears that the saint built his home 15 metres above ground level, and only came down to collect gifts of food and water brought by his followers.
Advice and information for your visit
Pasabag Valley lies 6 kilometres from Göreme and 5 kilometres from Avanos, and is open to the public every day of the year. There is a public car park at the entrance and a little market where you can buy drinks and traditional Turkish food. You can also buy craft items in a small bazaar, as well as miniature models of the fairy chimneys. It is important to arrive in the valley early in the morning, if possible before the excursion coaches arrive. As there is little shade, it is recommended that you use plenty of sun protection and drinks lots of water. The recommended length of time for a visit is about an hour. From Göreme, there is a public bus every hour that will bring you very close to Pasabag Valley.
