Cappadocia, one of the most magical landscapes on the planet, was born from the effects of fire, water and the wind. The limestone tufa and lava from two large volcanoes, Mount Erciyes and Mount Hasan, have been sculpted by the seasonal rivers and winds into tiny valleys, giant "fairy chimneys" and tall peaks standing guard over the landscape. The human inhabitants of the area have also contributed to its unusual appearance by hollowing out troglodyte villages, underground chapels and fortresses in the crumbly rock. The first travellers to visit here "couldn't believe their eyes" and the magic of the area has not faded.