Chimneys & Churches

The region of Cappadocia in central Turkey reveals a dramatic volcanic landscape like no other. Over millions of years this land has been shaped into fantastic forms and shapes, with deep canyons, valleys and famed ‘fairy chimneys’. Arrive by air and explore this strange landscape on foot, by road and even by balloon.

Almost 2,000 years ago, Christians carved their first churches into these rocks and ‘chimneys’ excavating huge underground cities, with ventilation systems, kitchens and housing for livestock as places of sanctuary. The fortified caravanserai also bear testament to these troubled times.

At Istanbul, formerly the Byzantine capital of Constantinople, the romantic setting of domes and minarets dominate the skyline of the Golden Horn.The St Sophia, more than 1,400 years old (pictured above) was originally built as a church, then in the 15th century converted to a mosque by the Ottomans, hence the visible minarets. Now it is a museum preserving architecture from both religions.

VJV Special Event -Ottoman Dinner
A drink in a typical Ottoman house followed by a candlelit dinner in the vaulted dining room of an ancient 6th-century cistern.