Göreme Zemi valley is one of the longest trails where history and nature come together, offering a perfect blend for trekking enthusiasts and nature lovers. Those who visit this place find themselves in a completely different atmosphere, experiencing one of the most interesting walking adventures.
The walking route in the valley includes a path where individuals can progress without much difficulty. The Babacık entrance, located on the Nevşehir-Ürgüp road with a gentler slope and the presence of Kermir Hill, makes it much easier for people to walk. Here, visitors encounter a signboard stating “Zemi valley 5600 m.” There are also souvenir shops at the entrance where local items and gifts can be purchased.
The second route is the reverse of the recommended route. When the first route is followed, you descend directly into the valley. Along the way, you can see the crossing points of other valleys. The challenging descent points are only encountered when entering the valley and facing small inclines inside the valley. At these points, individuals may need to jump over streams. It will be an adventurous and enjoyable journey for adventure enthusiasts. Although most of the route progresses among steep rocks, following the trail makes it very easy to reach the exit of the valley. The Göreme Zemi valley trip becomes a highly enjoyable activity due to its adventurous nature and is frequently chosen by trekking enthusiasts.
The Zemi walk takes approximately 2 hours. Depending on the season, individuals can enjoy walks accompanied by the chirping of birds, butterflies, and bees. The most notable season for the valley is autumn when a burst of colors can be witnessed. During this season, the valley presents a magnificent view with a vibrant array of colors. In spring and summer, Valley can also boast natural beauty. Not only rich in water sources but also in wildflowers, apricot, pear, mulberry, and plum trees, the valley creates a serene and peaceful environment, allowing visitors to escape daily life stress. With its calming and peaceful nature, Zemi Valley holds significant importance among valleys that must be visited.
Göreme Zemi Valley Cappadocia Watch Youtube
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Goreme Zemi Valley Features
Göreme Zemi is extraordinarily rich in natural beauty. The various types of trees, greens, flowers, and rivers within it represent just a fraction of the visible richness. This area is truly worth seeing and serves as the most beautiful walking trail for hiking enthusiasts. Due to its considerable length, it is a preferred destination for many nature enthusiasts. With its unique nature and route, it captivates people and attracts thousands of visitors every year, both local and foreign tourists alike.
Göreme Zemi Valley is not only attractive for its nature but also for its unique historical traces, making it a valley worth seeing within the boundaries of Cappadocia. The impressive fairy chimney formations, tunnels, Roman tombs at the entrance of the valley bear traces from ancient civilizations. Göreme Zemi, with its historical imprints, is highly inviting for its visitors. The abandoned pigeon houses and churches within the valley are open for visits.
After passing through mostly flat rocks that appear trimmed, except for a few steep cliffs, hidden within the valley are four churches. These churches are the Hidden Church, Cistern Church, Görkündere Church, and El-Nazar Church. Görkündere and El-Nazar Churches are the ones to be seen at the end of the valley. The locations of these churches are indicated on maps at the beginning of the valley. By following these maps, visitors can reach the churches. On the way to Görkündere Church, individuals will encounter fairy chimneys rising like stone minarets. A magnificent valley view will also greet them on this narrow path.
Sarnıç church dates back to the 11th century, and during that period, it was used as a cistern. The frescoes underwater have been damaged, but those above water still retain their colors and are worth seeing. The Hidden Church, on the other hand, is situated on a very steep rock. Due to its collapsed state, it is not very noticeable. It was discovered in 1957, and because of its difficult and late discovery, it earned the name “Hidden Church.” This church is located on the right side of the road to the Göreme Open Air Museum. Built with three apses, it is dated to the 11th century, like other churches in the region. Its architecture is equivalent to the architecture of Mesopotamian churches.
The church’s flat ceiling is made in relief and adorned with crosses and geometric shapes. Orange and cream colors are predominantly used in the frescoes. The frescoes that have been preserved until today depict Bible stories and familiar saintly figures. In addition to these, there is also a scene depicting the Veil of Veronica. These frescoes are truly worth seeing. Visiting the churches in Göreme Zemi Valley should be a top priority on the to-do list.
El Nazar church is located 800 meters after the entrance of the Göreme Open Air Museum. The church is carved into a fairy chimney, which has a conical shape, resembling a giant tooth. It is designed in a T-plan and constructed with cross arms and a barrel-vaulted ceiling. There is a cemetery on the east side of the church. A significant portion of the floor and the apse has been reconstructed. After restoration, this church has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Although the exact construction date of the church is believed to be in the 10th century, this date has not been precisely determined.
The frescoes in the church were painted by two artists in an archaic style. Like in all the frescoes of Cappadocian churches, there are portraits of saints inside the medallions. The frescoes depict religious stories and scenes narrating the life of Jesus.
The question “Where is Göreme Zemi valley?” is of interest to those who want to visit this valley with magnificent views. The valley is located in the town of Uçhisar, which is affiliated with the Nevşehir province. It is exactly 2700 meters away from this town. The best description of Zemi valley is that it is in the region after passing through Uçhisar on the Nevşehir Ürgüp road, towards the Ürgüp direction. It is situated to the east of Göreme and extends towards the Göreme Open Air Museum in the north and south axes. By following the routes on the Zemi Valley map, it is possible to reach the churches and the starting points of the valley.
Göreme Zemi directions are a matter of curiosity for those who plan to visit. People who want to visit other historical structures near the valley make travel plans based on directions. Göreme Zemi valley can be reached from Nevşehir to Ürgüp road until Göreme Ortahisar road. Access to Göreme Zemi valley is possible via the Ürgüp-Nevşehir road. The valley can be entered after 10 km. The Zemi Valley signboard can be easily seen in this area. From this point, you can directly enter the valley.
Alternatively, by continuing from the upper left and following the tractor road, you can also enter the valley from the road that turns right. Following this route into the valley, individuals can find a drinkable water source. Also, frequently planted fruit trees can be found, including plums, mulberries, cherries, pears, apricots, and sour cherries, depending on the season. You can explore all the valleys from our Cappadocia valleys category.
Zemi valley has no entrance fee. The expansive walking areas within the valley are free of charge.
Zemi valley is one of the longest hiking trails in the region, measuring approximately 5,600 meters. At the beginning of the valley, you can see various stalls set up. These small stalls are ideal places to buy souvenirs, and you may find that the prices are more reasonable compared to the city center.
While the trail generally offers an easy route, you may encounter slight inclines in some places. At this stage, it’s important to stay on the marked path rather than taking shortcuts on the dirt roads. If you wish to complete the entire trail, it will take approximately 2-2.5 hours. Be prepared to be accompanied by bees and butterflies along the way. The valley provides a pleasant environment to unwind from the stresses of modern life. Additionally, you’ll come across various churches throughout the valley.
Zemi Valley Photo
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