Cappadocia
Cappadocia means ‘Land of beautiful horses’, and it is a unique holiday destination due to Mother Nature’s overwhelming generosity.The volcano eruptions whose lava and ashes have long ago been swept away and shaped by rivers, streams, rain, snow, ice and erosion have created an unsurpassed supernatural landscape. But Cappadocia’s well- deserved reputation as a wonderful place to visit stems also from its people who welcome you so generously.
La Maison du Reve’s location helps you get the most out of your stay
- the hotel and restaurant is perched above Cappadocia’s moonscape valleys
- the Castle of Uchisar is just a few minutes walk
- you can explore the valleys on foot easily and conveniently: take a walk – with a free guide if needed – down the valleys and be picked up by the staff at the bottom, or catch a bus back up to the hotel if you prefer to do things independently.
- convenient base for exploring the region – including the underground cities of Derinkuyu or Kaymakli, Ihlara Valley, the Göreme Open Air Museum, as well as Zelve and Cavusin.
- good transportation links either from Göreme or Nevsehir or even Kayseri
- great views, peace and quiet when you get back from a day of trekking or sightseeing.
- fine restaurant at the hotel, but numerous others also available in Uchisar village.
History
Being strategically placed on the cross-roads of major communication and trading routes like the Silk Road. Cappadocia was also home to many different civilizations over the centuries, beginning with the Hittite empire. The many caravansarais and medreses bear testimony to later empires such as the Seljuks.
Many inhabitants still make their living from agriculture which ensures Turkey’s self-sufficiency in terms of food. The fruit orchards, the neatlytilled fields of squash or other vegetables and the wineyards also add color and diversity to the landscapes. Cappadocia exports much of this produce such as dried apricots, grapes, plums, apples. It’s wine has often been acclaimed in international competitions.
The mixing of these various cultures has built up a rich tradition of fine workmanship in handicrafts such you can still see today in the pottery of Avanos or the hand-made village carpets. Pottery-making existed here as early as the Hittite period. And carpet-weaving was brought in by the Turk invaders. Quality wine-making under the golden Cappadocia sun has also long been a traditional occupation.
Cave dwellings
The caves and easily carved rock canyons and peaks which afforded efficient protection from predatory animals and invaders, attracted many peoples to settle in the region. The mild climate also incited many to come here. Among them were the early Christians who even received a visit from Saint Paul.
These people left a legacy of frescoed, rock-hewn churches and chapels hidden away in the many valleys, complex subterranean cities and cave dwellings carved out of the rocks.
Uçhisar
Uçhisar, located in the heart, and at the very top of Cappadocia, is an ideal place to choose as your operational base for daily excursions throughout the region.
With such a garden in its doorstep, it’s just natural that Cappadocian homes and restaurants offer an infinite variety of tempting dishes such as Çomlek Kebap, Tik Tik Manti, Peravu Hamur, Apakla (Kuru Fasulye) and Guveç. Perhaps you will have an opportunity to be welcomed into one of these homes. If not, you will certainly be able to enjoy your meal in one of numerous restaurants also offering Anatolian folklore music and dance performances by local groups in traditional costumes.
So we invite you to plunge deep into the Cappadocian culture: its people, food, music, handicrafts as well as taking in its landscape and vestiges. You will find it as difficult as many who have come before you to leave this enchanting place. But we will be here to welcome you again very soon.
Come and see Cappadocia, and relax in our atmospheric rooms with terraces and breakfast, enjoy the great restaurant and service!