Why Cappadocia is special
Cappadocia in Turkey has a surreal landscape fashioned by ancient floods and winds that partially eroded a volcanic based plateau. Numerous fanciful formations were created including the conical ones nicknamed fairy chimneys (see photo).

Carved-out dwellings and churches
The rock formations were soft, which encouraged persecuted people (mainly early Christians) to flee to the Cappadocia wilderness to carve dwellings and churches out of them.
The new arrivals also dug into the many canyon cliff walls to produce multi story communities reached only by ladders, steep foot paths and treacherous footholds.
Most of the surviving carved-out dwellings and churches in Cappadocia date from the 10th and 11th centuries. Some inns have such rooms (with modern amenities) - imagine the thrill of sleeping in a hotel room that was built nearly a thousand years ago.

Underground city
Cappadocia offers a host of other interesting experiences including exploring the underground city of Derinkuyu. Local inhabitants temporarily hid in it while invading armies marched overhead. This subterranean human warren has complex room mazes going down eight levels. Concealed wells, air shafts and food supplies made it self-sufficient for long durations.

What leading travel books say about Cappadocia
Derinkuyu in Cappadocia is a truly spectacular, many-layered underground city.
Turkey
Globetrotter Guides

The eerie landscape of Cappadocia is a natural wonder.
Turkey
Open Road Guides