The valley was named after the scores of pigeon houses carved into the rocks. They were utilized to collect pigeon droppings that were then used as fertilisor.This practice has been sustained to the present day, though to a lesser extent.
The so-called fortress was created by carving the highest mass of rock in the vicinity and was used as both a significant shelter and a military post during the Byzantine period. The peak of the rock fortress reveals a full panorama of the region and makes fantastic viewing point for sunset.