PASABAG VALLEY

Pasabag, also known as Monks Valley, is located near Zelve, coming from Goreme or Avanos and has some of the most striking fairy chimneys in Cappadocia with twin and even triple rock caps that are 10-15 meters. This kind of formation is unique even for the whole region, and these formations are named mushroom-shaped ones.

Currently, there is a vineyard and many tuff cones standing right next to the road. Some of these cones split into smaller cones into their upper sections, in which stylizes and hermits once hid. The Hermitage of Simeon monks was also here. A chapel dedicated to St. Simeon (Simon) and a hermit's shelter is built into one of the caves with three heads. The entrance of the cell is decorated with antithetical crosses. The saint was living in seclusion near Aleppo in the 5th century when rumors that he made miracles started to spread. Disturbed by all the attention, he began to live at the top of a 2m high column and later moved to one 15m in height. From there he only descended occasionally to get food and drink brought by his disciples. The hermits of the region distanced themselves from the world by cutting into rocks rather than living on top of columns.

Pasabag Valley contains some of the most striking rock formations in Cappadocia with twin and even triple rock caps. This style is unique even for Kapadokya and these chimneys are named mushroom-shaped ones.

While it has access from most visited towns as Avanos, Urgup or Goreme; best practice is to follow your guide's recommendation that will rely on the light position, crowds and weather cast depending on the season.