Perhaps even more spectacular is the art inside the caves in which they dwelled and worshipped. The cave churches - there are nearly 1,000 in Cappadoccia - were carved by hand from solid rock. Artisans sculpted soaring domes and vaults, columns and other architectural ornamentation. They were then frescoed with elaborate representations of events from the Bible (many of which took place on Turkish soil). Most spectacular is the collection of 30 frescoed churches, over 1,000 years old, which comprise the Goreme Open Air Museum.

Life goes on, much as it has for centuries in this traditionally-isolated region. Although tourism has impacted the region and many of the cave houses have been abandoned for more modern dwellings, some are still used as residences and even have electrical power brought to them.

The rock cut pigeon holes are still used for agriculture. Local wine is still produced (try some) and the Cappadoccian horses - famous throughout Central Asia - are still bred as they have been for centuries.