Erciyes Dagi was one of the three major volcanoes to have shaped the landscapes of Cappadocia by covering the region in lava. At an altitude of 3 916m, the summit is always snow-capped and the Romans were so impressed by the size of the mountain that they claimed both the Black Sea and the Mediterranean could be seen from its summit. Hikers who tackle the peak on fine days today know that this is not the case, but the views of Cappadocia are nonetheless unforgettable. In winter, the old volcano is popular with skiers.