Uchisar Castle

Uchisar Castle, 7 kilometers from Nevşehir center, is the largest and most beautiful fairy chimney seen from all over Cappadocia. The summit of the castle is the only place where Cappadocia can be seen from a bird’s eye view. All the valleys from Güvercinlik Valley to Avanos, Ortahisar Castle, Göreme Town, Göreme Open Air Museum, Kılıçlar Valley, Kızılçukur, Güllüdere, Çavuşin, Boztepe, Aktepe, Avanos, that is, all Cappadocia are under your feet.

There are many carved jars, carved tombs and large cisterns at the summit of the castle. Looking down from the castle to the north, you can see the Walnut fairy chimneys, Nevşehir and Oylu Mountain in the west, the new Uchisar just in front of the castle, and the summit of Hasan Mountain in the far southwest.

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History of Uchisar Castle

Uchisar Castle is undoubtedly one of the most striking of the Cappadocia castles. In fact, we do not know for sure who the builders of the castle were. If there is one thing that is certain, it is that whichever civilization settled in this region, it chose this place as its castle. It is said that the history of the castle dates back to the Hittites. The data we have shows that the castle was used extensively during the Roman and Byzantine periods. The castle formed an important defense point against the increasing Arab raids during this period.

During the Anatolian Principalities and Seljuk periods between the 12th and 14th centuries, Uchisar Castle has always been the border and end zone of the principalities. This is where the name ‘Uchisar’ comes from. In this period, a dense population lived around the castle, which is one of the three important castles of the region, together with Ortahisar and Ürgüp castles. In order to meet the water needs of the people living here, the Seljuks carried water with pipes from Gemil Mountain, 3 km away, by taking advantage of the elevation difference. There are fountains in Uchisar whose water comes from the same road even today.

After the Seljuks, the castle formed a border between Karamanoğulları, the Mongolian ruler Kadı Burhanettin and the Ottoman Principality for a while, and changed hands between these principalities from time to time. In 1398, with Beyazıt II, the dominance of the Ottoman Empire in the region was finalized and Uchisar continued its life without war under Ottoman rule after this date.

Uchisar Castle, 7 kilometers from Nevşehir center, is the largest and most beautiful fairy chimney seen from all over Cappadocia. The summit of the castle is the only place where Cappadocia can be seen from a bird’s eye view.

Things to do in Uchisar Castle

There are many activities you can do when you visit Uchisar Castle. We have compiled some of them for you:

Watch Cappadocia from Uchisar Castle

Uchisar Castle, which is one of the must-see places for those who pass by Uchisar and its surroundings, is also an ideal spot to watch the breathtaking view of the region. The castle, where you can easily see the fairy chimneys and Mount Erciyes, should be visited as one of the leading symbols of Uchisar.

Travel back in time at Tığraz Castle

Tığraz Castle, one of the famous historical monuments of Uchisar, is among the important stops that can be visited in the region with its tunnels and rooms carved into the stones. Although it is not possible to go inside, you can see and examine its interesting structure from the outside.

Enjoy walking the winding streets

One of the activities that can be enjoyed throughout the year in the region is walking through narrow and winding roads. During these walks, where you can see the historical castle and charming houses of Uchisar, you can breathe in the delicious smells in the spring, and you can encounter much different and fairy-tale landscapes under the falling snow in the winter. If you want to take photos during your trip to Uchisar, you can turn your lens to the streets and get beautiful shots.

Buy local colorful souvenirs

While touring both in Uchisar and other parts of Cappadocia, you can see many souvenirs with the characteristic features of the region, and buy the products you like at inexpensive prices. Handmade jewelry, key chains in the shape of a fairy chimney, ashtrays, wall decorations and night lamps are just a few of them. You can even make your own gift by purchasing the materials used in jewelry making here.

Check out handmade traditional rugs

Undoubtedly, one of the most famous symbols of Cappadocia is the traditional carpets, each of which is the product of fine workmanship and handicraft. You can examine the carpets reflecting the ancient culture of Anatolia dating back centuries with their vivid colors and patterns in and around Uchisar. You can even buy one of the carpets you like with a little bargaining and take it home from here. Even if you don’t shop, it is extremely enjoyable to see colorful carpets and get information about this deep-rooted tradition in Cappadocia.

Stay in hotels built inside fairy chimneys and stones

One of the best things you can do to feel the Cappadocia spirit to the fullest is to stay in one of the hotels made by carving the natural formations of the region, fairy chimneys and rocks. The main feature of these hotels, whose rooms resemble caves, is that they stay cool even in summer. Thus, when you come to the region in summer, you can enjoy your holiday comfortably by staying in these rooms with natural air conditioning, without being affected by the heat too much.

Moreover, many of the stone hotels, known for their cool atmosphere, have terraces with a magnificent view. In the evening, when the weather is getting dark, you can go out to the terrace and take your wine and enjoy while watching the unique view of Cappadocia.

Where is Uchisar Castle? How to Get to Uchisar Castle?

Uchisar Castle is located in the town of Uchisar in the Nevşehir Cappadocia region. This castle, which is 7 km away from the city center, can be reached by buses departing from the city center and departing every 30 minutes. There are bus services from Nevşehir, the first time being at 07:30 and continuing until 19:00. Likewise, buses from Uchisar to Nevşehir also operate between 07:00 and 18:30.

Those who want to reach the castle via Nevşehir Airport can reach Uchisar Castle with an average of 1 hour journey. You can take the shuttle minibuses or taxis that stop in front of the airport and get down to Uchisar Castle within 5 minutes’ walking distance. If you go with your personal vehicle, the castle is located on the road to Ürgüp and Göreme.

Since the Uchisar region is an ideal region to see the unique view of Cappadocia, some parts of it will be passed on foot. After many steps, you can go to the top of the castle and start watching Cappadocia. Uchisar is the highest region of the region in terms of altitude. You can watch the region from a completely dominant point by climbing up to Uchisar castle. A unique view awaits you here.

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Entrance Fee to Uchisar Castle

The entrance fee to Uchisar Castle is 10 TL (0.6 €) for students and 20 TL (1.2 €) for adults. Uchisar Castle is open to visitors every day of the week (07:30-20:00). Museum Card is not valid in Uchisar Castle.