The remains of the ancient settlement Kilistra are known for their impressive landscape and unique rock-carved houses.
The area becomes especially beautiful in fall as the surrounding nature turns all shades of orange.
Kilistra is located some 35 kilometers (21.7 miles) to the southwest of Konya city in central Turkey.
The ancient settlement is often referred to as the "Cappadocia of Konya" for the similarities in landscape.
Like in Cappadocia, the volcanic land was formed here by lava accumulation.
Kilistra is believed to have been founded during the Hellenistic period in the second century B.C.
It greatly developed during the early Christian period and was allegedly visited by St. Paul, one of the apostles.
The remains of Kilistra are scattered throughout the area of the modern village of Gökyurt.
Some of the dwellings are very well hidden as their builders were masters of camouflage.
The valley, where Kilistra is located, looks like a forest of rocks and provides panoramic views from the observation posts in the settlement area.
The local vegetation consists of a scrub species mostly seen at the foothills of the Taurus Mountains.
The oak forests also host ash, Mediterranean medlar, wild pear, wild plum, oleaster, rose hip and almond trees, providing wonderful scenery.
The area's fauna is also quite rich.
