Cappadocia Places to Visit

Cappadocia is a touristic region that was formed by the lava erupted by volcanoes 60 million years ago and became the cradle of civilization even during the Hittites period. Cappadocia, where the Hittites lived first and then the Christians who fled from the Roman Empire, is appreciated worldwide, although it takes its present form with the different cultures that have accumulated on it. So much so that it has been accepted as one of the rare world heritage sites in our country, and this has been registered by UNESCO.

There are dozens of wonderful structures to see in the region, especially underground cities, valleys and churches. We have prepared a list of places to visit in Cappadocia by examining them one by one for you.

Cappadocia Underground Cities

Cappadocia has been constantly exposed to enemy raids and raids in the past. These raids, which first started in the 1600s BC, forced people to live in underground cities. These negative reasons have revealed many underground cities that need to be examined one by one today. Although 36 of them are known, it is estimated that there are more than 150 underground cities according to researches. Without further ado, we can move on to reviewing the most popular underground cities!

Derinkuyu Underground City

Derinkuyu Underground City, which you can visit as a team, is an enormous underground city that will become a mirror of history as you enter. We recommend you to see this underground city, where you will see more mysteries at every step and will increase your curiosity every time.

Derinkuyu Underground City, known as the largest underground city in Cappadocia, is 33 kilometers from Nevşehir city center. There are 8 known floors in this city, which was built by Christians fleeing the oppression of the Romans. Within the floors, there is a kitchen, winery, missionary school, living rooms, barn, cemetery, baptistery, church, meeting hall and water well. You need to be wearing appropriate clothes to visit the underground city, which we should warn you about has very narrow tunnels and airless areas. You may have to crawl through tunnels on the ground to get in, especially on the lower floors.

Derinkuyu Underground City takes its name from its deep wells. How this city, of which only 8 floors can be cleaned, was built with the technology of that time is still a great mystery.

Visiting Hours: 1 April – 1 October 08.00 – 19.00 (Close to the box office 18.15) / 1 October – 1 April 08.00 – 17.00 (Close to the box office 16.15)

Entrance Fee: 75TL – Museum card is valid.

Address: Bayramlı, Niğde Cd., 50700 Derinkuyu/Nevşehir

Özkonak Underground City

Özkonak Underground City, which was built in the Hittites period in 400 BC, has a 4-storey structure. We can also say that it is an absolutely frightening and worth seeing underground city with its very different and carefully prepared architecture. In the 4-storey city, there are sections such as barns on the first floors, while rooms on the middle floors; There are interesting sections such as the living room, baby care room, wells, tombs and wine warehouses. The last floor contains the prison that most people do not dare to enter. The prison, which can be reached through a very narrow tunnel that only one person can enter, is really quite scary.

In addition, Özkonak Underground City has been prepared with special techniques in terms of defense. It is possible to see the holes, which change the air flow, provide communication, and even pour hot oil on the enemy in case of enemy attack, all over the city. In addition, the stone doors are prepared to be opened from the inside, unlike other underground cities. Again, by leaving holes in the bolt sections of the doors, it was aimed to shoot arrows and spears and pour hot oil from the holes in any enemy attack. This underground city, where the museum card is valid, is 13 kilometers from the center of Avanos.

Visiting Hours: 1 April – 1 October 08.00 – 19.00 (Close to the box office 18.15) / 1 October – 1 April 08.00 – 17.00 (Close to the box office 16.15)

Entrance Fee: 40 TL – Museum card is valid.

Address: Özkonak Underground City Road, 50500 Avanos/Nevşehir

Thuja Underground City

Mazı Underground City is known as the last underground city found in Cappadocia. The underground city, where a shepherd discovered the entrance gate by chance, was later cleared as a result of archaeological studies and became open to visitors.

This underground city, known as Mazıt in ancient times, was built with 8 floors. In addition, the city, which can be entered from 4 different places, connects all cities with a single corridor. Mazı, which has a different sliding stone from other cities, has rooms and furniture on the floors like other cities. It is thought that an estimated 6,000 people lived in the city in ancient times. There is a cemetery on the top floor of the city, and a very ostentatious church on the middle floors of the city. Although not all floors have been cleaned yet, we are sure that you will leave the city quite satisfied. Finally, you can visit the city free of charge with the museum card.

Visiting Hours: 1 April – 1 October 10.00 – 17.00 (Close at 16.00 ) / 1 October – 1 April 08.00 – 17.00 (Close at 16.45)

Entrance Fee: 17,5 TL – Museum card is valid.

Address: Temenni Mahallesi, Kazım Karabekir Cd. No:10, 50400 Mazı/Ürgüp/Nevşehir

Cappadocia Museums

We said at the beginning of our article how deep a history Cappadocia has, and that many different cultures once passed through here. And yet, there are many beautiful museums in Cappadocia: Zelve Open Air Museum, Göreme Open Air Museum, Hair Museum... We will cover all of them under this heading.

Hair Museum

Cappadocia Hair Museum, which managed to get its name written in the Guinness Book of Records, is also among the 15 most interesting museums in the world. Thanks to the hair growth movement that started with its interesting story, the museum now has more than 16 thousand women's hair, passport photos and phone numbers. The story of the museum is as follows:

"A French woman stops by the shop owner, Mr. Galip. The two fall in love with each other. But their relationship ends because the French woman has to return to her hometown after 3 months. Thereupon, Mr. Galip asks the lady for a lock of her hair as a souvenir. The French woman accepts. and leaves a lock of hair as a memory. Mr. Galip hangs the hair on the wall of the shop to remember it every time." This story and a lock of hair attract the attention of visitors. Successive visitors then optionally leave their phone number and a passport photo along with a lock of hair. In terms of the privacy of the photos, we strongly recommend you to see the museum, where it is forbidden to enter with the camera and also to take photos. Finally, Mr. Galip invites 20 people to Cappadocia with the lottery he organizes every year and undertakes all the expenses. Although it may make some people nauseous, you can also enter the lottery by leaving your hair. By the way, let's not forget to mention that the museum actually consists of a part of the Chez Galip pottery shop.

Visiting Hours: 08.30 – 19.30

Entry Fee: 3 TL

Address: Yukarı, No: 24, 110. Sk., 50500 Avanos/Nevşehir

Zelve Open Air Museum

Zelve Valley has the title of being one of the oldest settlements in Cappadocia, where the fairy chimneys are most concentrated. In fact, it is so old that there are even claims that the Christian faith first began to spread in this region. According to what is known, while the first Christian settlement took place in the 7th century, it peaked in the 13th century, making Zelve one of the most important religious centers. The open-air museum, which has been formed by erosion, water and wind since ancient times, is definitely worth seeing.

In Zelve Open Air Museum, where it is possible to visit with safari programs, there are not only Christian motifs. Balıklı, Üzümlü and Geyikli churches built in 728 in the museum; There is also a chapel, monastery, mill and tunnel built for St. Simeon. For this reason, we recommend you to visit Zelve with comfortable clothes. We definitely recommend you to visit this delightful museum, where you will be surprised in places, pass through tunnels and climb.

Visiting Hours: 1 April – 1 October / 08.00 – 19.00 (Close to the box office 18.15) / 1 October – 1 April / 08.00 – 17.00 (Close to the box office 16.15)

Entry Fee: 50 TL

Address: Aydınlı Mahallesi, Yavuz Sk. No:1, 50180 Aktepe, Avanos, Nevsehir

Goreme Open Air Museum

Goreme Open Air Museum, where a completely different world awaits you when you enter, is definitely one of the must-see places in Cappadocia. This museum, which we gave two hours to visit, was first used to spread the Christian faith. The museum, which remained behind the rough terrain, was built as a monastery and the teachings of Basil the Noble, missionary and religious education began to be given here from 400 BC. Unfortunately, it is not possible to visit the entire Göreme Open Air Museum, where you can see many churches. Many churches and historical buildings are in danger of collapsing and are closed to visitors. You can still visit many places such as the Convent of Girls and Boys, St. Basil's Chapel. Here are all the places you can visit:

• Girls and Boys Convent

• Church of St. Basileus

• Elmali Church

• St. Barbara Chapel

• Snake Church

• The Dark Church

• Carikli Church

• Buckled Church

In the Göreme Open Air Museum, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on December 6, 1985, the churches have two types of architecture: "Snake" and "Column". Columned churches are known for their pictures on the wall; Churches with snakes can be recognized by their unpainted walls. We recommend you to visit and learn about the museum, which has the life story of Jesus on its walls, especially with a guide.

Visiting Hours: 1 April – 1 October / 08.00 – 19.00 (Close at 18.15) / 1 October – 1 April / 08.00 – 17.00 (Close at 16.15)

Entry Fee: 125 TL (Free with the Museum Card.)

Address: Above the Open Air Museum Parking Lot, 50180 Göreme / Nevşehir

Cappadocia Valleys

Cappadocia owes its unique natural beauty to the volcanoes around it that are no longer active. The lava scattered by the volcanoes that erupted millions of years ago gave Cappadocia dozens of beautiful valleys. Here are our favorite Cappadocia Valleys!

Devrent Valley

Devrent Valley, also known as "Pink Valley" or "Imagination Valley", is a natural beauty famous for its rocks that change color at sunset. Another feature of this place, which is also known for its fairy chimneys, which are unlike any other, is that most of the scenes of the legendary TV series "Asmalı Konak" were shot here. We definitely recommend you to see Devrent Valley!

Address: Devrent Mevkii no:1, 50500 Aktepe/Avanos/Nevşehir

Love Valley

Love Valley, also known as Lovers Valley, Baglidere Valley or Lovers Hill, has an excellent view. This valley, which has been the venue for many marriage proposals with its fascinating view, has also taken its name from marriage proposals. You can take a walk for 2.5 hours in the valley, which is full of vineyards and fruit trees along the way. The length of the valley is 4.9 kilometers.

Address: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir

Cappadocia Castles

While we were talking about the underground cities in Cappadocia, we said that this region was frequently attacked by the enemy. That being the case, it would be strange if there weren't any splendid castles. Uçhisar and Ortahisar Castles are two places that should definitely be seen in our opinion. Now we can examine these historical structures more closely.

Uchisar Castle

Uçhisar Castle, which gave its name to Uçhisar, one of the famous districts of Nevşehir, is the highest of the 3 castles in the region. Built at the junction of two fairy chimneys, this castle reminds us of a soldier with a helmet. Moreover, these chimneys that can be seen from all over the region have names. The larger chimney was called "Aga's Castle", while the smaller one was called "Sergeant's Castle".

We recommend going to Uçhisar Castle, especially towards sunset. Especially if you can coincide with the departure time of the balloons, you can have a memory that you will not forget for the rest of your life.

Visiting Hours: 08.00 – 20.00

Entry Fee: 8 TL

Address: Tekelli, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir

Ortahisar Castle

Thanks to its imposing and sheltered structure, Ortahisar Castle, which was used both as a defense center and a shelter during the wars in the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods, is another historical site that should definitely be seen. Known as the largest fairy chimney in the vicinity, the castle gives the impression of a Cappadocia chimney from the outside. Let's not go without saying that the fairy chimney underwent a change in shape during the meat period, but this process was done purely for protection purposes.

By coming to Ortahisar, you can watch all Göreme, Ürgüp and Avanos regions from a bird's eye view.

Visiting Hours: 08.00 – 18.00

Entry Fee: 5 TL

Address: Resul Bey Sk., 50650 Ortahisar/Ürgüp/Nevşehir

Cappadocia Churches

After saying how important Cappadocia is for the religion of Christianity, it would be impossible not to mention the churches. We have added a few churches that must be visited for you.

Cavusin Church

Çavuşin Village is one of the oldest settlements within the borders of Cappadocia and has an important place for Christianity. Çavuşin Church is only one of the most important churches in Çavuşin. The church, located at the entrance of the village, has a castle design rather than a building, but has a very old structure. Estimated to have been built in 964, the church succeeded in registering its importance in 1985 and entering the World Heritage List.

Visiting Hours: 10.00 – 19.00

Entry Fee: 15 TL

Address: Avanos – Goreme Road, Cavusin Village entrance.

John the Baptist Church

Another church located in Çavuşin Village and estimated to have been built in 964-5 is the Church of John the Baptist. The church, which was built by carving the inside of the rock, is known for the pictures of John the Baptist who baptized Jesus and was killed on its walls. There are also Gabriel and Michael pictures on the church walls.

Address: Vadis Sk., 50500 Çavuşin/Avanos/Nevşehir