“Onions” is what So\u011fanl\u0131 means in Turkish. But there is so much more to this valley than just onions. So\u011fanl\u0131 Valley is a serene escape. It has courtyard monasteries and cave churches. These date back to the 10th and 11th centuries.
This remote valley is about an hour’s drive from Göreme. It rivals the Göreme Open Air Museum and Ihlara Valley. It has historic importance and natural beauty. Yet, So\u011fanl\u0131 receives far fewer visitors. This makes it ideal for peaceful exploration.
Imagine yourself in an ancient rock-cut village. Over 20 churches are here. About 10 of them are particularly notable. The valley cliffs also hold Roman-era tombs. Hundreds of pigeon houses dot the landscape.
Two creeks carved this open green V-shaped valley. The sound of water echoes. Birds fly overhead. This setting and rich history make So\u011fanl\u0131 Valley spectacular.
To get here, drive through the modern village of So\u011fanl\u0131. You will arrive at the park entrance. The ancient village plaza is just after the entrance. It is now abandoned.
The ancient village site is above the town center. People carved homes into the hillside. They used the quarried stones to build masonry rooms. The foundation of a 6th-century church lies below these homes. Churches and monasteries were built within walking distance.
At the old village plaza, the road splits. Staying right takes you to Karaba\u015f and Snake Church. From there, you can walk to Domed and Hidden Churches. Turning left leads to Geyikli Monastery, St. Barbara Church, and Han. Stop at Buckle and Sky Churches on your way out. They are about 1 km past the entrance.
If you have limited time, visit St. Barbara Church. Also Geyikli Monastery, Karaba\u015f Kilise, Domed Church and Hidden Church are recommended.
So\u011fanl\u0131 Valley has two amazing cafés. They serve Turkish food in serene orchard gardens. Both cafés make So\u011fanl\u0131 Valley enjoyable. One café is immediately before the entrance gate. The other is at the end of the north fork next to Canavar Kilise. Local ladies sell handmade dolls here. The village of So\u011fanl\u0131 is famous for these dolls.
The ancient Roman-era city of Soandos was here. It was a large agricultural settlement. It also had military importance. The earliest church was Ak Kilise. It was destroyed during World War I.
Like Cappadocia, Soandos declined during Arab raids. The area re-emerged during the Middle Byzantine Period. Most cave churches were built between 920 and 1020 AD.
Military importance is evident from church inscriptions. Three churches were built by military figures. Basil built St. Barbara Church. John Skepides founded Geyikli monastery. The Skepides family were local rulers.
Ancient Soandos had military significance. Cappadocia served as an important base. Soandos was a key community in the Byzantine expansion.
Even after the Seljuk Turks took over, Greek Christians remained. Based on painting style, Christians lived here until the 15th century.
During the Ottoman period, Turkish farmers settled here. They renamed the village So\u011fanl\u0131. Most residents now live downstream where there is more open land.
So\u011fanl\u0131 is a historic settlement. It has cave churches and monasteries. These are set in a peaceful valley. The landscape reveals a vibrant agricultural community. So\u011fanl\u0131’s remote location keeps it peaceful. It is not overrun by tourists. This makes it ideal. Experience ancient cave sites in peace here in So\u011fanl\u0131.