Gulludere (Rose) & Kizilcukur (Red) Valleys
Rose Valley & Red Valley (Güllüdere ve Kızılçukur)
Location and Geology
Rose Valley and Red Valley, located between Çavuşin and Meskendir near Göreme, form two connected canyons shaped over millions of years by volcanic eruptions and erosion. The valleys are famous for their rock surfaces that shift between pink, red, and orange tones depending on the light especially at sunset, when Rose Valley glows with its signature rosy hue.
Hiking Routes
The valleys can be reached on foot from Göreme or Çavuşin. Trails include Güllüdere I, Güllüdere II, and Red Valley, all interlinked for a total of 4–5 km. Paths are easy to moderate, marked with signposts, stairs, and viewpoints. Along the way, hikers enjoy panoramas of Aktepe, Paşabağ, and on clear days even Mount Erciyes and Mount Hasan.
Rock-Cut Churches and Frescoes
Between the 9th and 13th centuries, monks carved numerous chapels and churches into the cliffs. These combine Byzantine artistic style with local stonework, offering a rich cultural and religious heritage.
- Yovakim–Anna Church: Dedicated to Mary’s parents, with a rare fresco of her miraculous birth.
- Direkli (Columned) Church: Recognized by its columned façade and simple interior.
- Ayvalı Church: Features portraits of Emperor Constantine and Helena, alongside biblical scenes; later partly converted into a pigeon house.
- Üç Haçlı Church: Named after three carved crosses in its ceiling; 10th-century frescoes depict Christ and the Virgin.
Pigeon Houses and Passages
In addition to churches, the valleys are dotted with dovecotes, burial chambers, tunnels, and connecting passages. Pigeon houses carved into the cliffs were historically used to collect fertilizer for vineyards. Though many frescoes have faded, some still preserve vivid colors and inscriptions.
Practical Information
- Hike Duration: 2–3 hours on average
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, water, hat
- Best Time: Sunrise and sunset for dramatic lighting
- Caution: Some passages are narrow or slippery watch your step
Cultural Significance
Rose and Red Valleys embody both the natural beauty and religious depth of Cappadocia. The churches here illustrate the transition from the austere art of the Iconoclastic period to the vibrant fresco traditions that followed. As part of the UNESCO-listed Göreme National Park, these valleys offer not just scenery but also history, archaeology, and a sense of spiritual silence.
