Deep in the heart of Turkey, in the semi-arid, historical region of Cappadocia, the landscape has a lunar-like appearance with rocky peaks, standing pillars, chimneys and cones. These otherworldly formations are created from sedimentary rock eroded by rain and wind into unique and beautiful shapes, reports Scribol.

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Starting in the fourth century A.D., local people also began to carve into the rocks, creating a series of cave-like houses, churches, monasteries, known as the fairy chimneys of Goreme, according to National Geographic. The carving continued and an entire network of underground tunnels was later created to serve as a refuge for early Christians, protecting them from Roman Empire persecution and Arab invasions.

Today, the fairy chimneys of Goreme are protected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some of these ancient homes are still inhabited today, but others have been converted into museums, which tourists can visit at the Goreme Open Air Museum. Others have been converted into hotels.

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