Cappadocia

Volcanic eruptions, wind and water have formed tufa formations into a surreal landscape. Often known as "The Fairy Chimneys", the rocky pinnacles rise to a height of five storeys. The tufa is white and pink, and caves have been hewn into the rock and are still occupied. You can also visit several underground cities in the area that were hewn out from the stone, often to a depth of eight storeys. These were dug so that the population and animals could hide from invaders or wild animals and live there for months. Animals were kept on the top level as they were expendable. Cooking was done only at night so that the smoke would not show. Sleeping accommodation, rest areas, churches, and schools were on the other levels. The morgue was on the lowest level.