Uchisar is a town located in the Nevşehir Province of central Turkey, which is famous for its unique geological formations called “fairy chimneys”. These rock formations were created by volcanic eruptions and erosion over millions of years, and many of them have been carved into dwellings, churches, and underground cities by the ancient inhabitants of the region.
Uchisar Castle, The giant volcanic rock formation.
Uchisar Castle is the most famous landmark in the town, which is built into a fairy chimney and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The castle was used as a fortress and a watchtower during the Byzantine era, and it was also a strategic point for controlling the Silk Road trade route.
Uchisar is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can explore the ancient underground cities, hike along the valleys, and enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine in the local restaurants. The town is also known for its handicrafts, including pottery, carpets, and textiles, which can be found in the local markets and shops.
Here are some of the things you can do in Uchisar:
Visit Uchisar Castle: The castle is built on the top of a fairy chimney and offers stunning views of the Cappadocian landscape. You can explore the castle’s many rooms and tunnels, and learn about its history as a fortress and watchtower.
Watch hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia: Cappadocia is known for its hot air balloon rides, which offer a unique and breathtaking view of the fairy chimneys, valleys, and mountains. Uchisar is one of the best places to watch hot air balloon riding, and there are many good spot to wath 100s of balloons going to sky over Cappadocia.
Hike in Pigeon Valley: Pigeon Valley is a beautiful hiking trail that runs between Uchisar and Göreme. The valley is named after the thousands of pigeon houses carved into the fairy chimneys, which were used for their droppings as fertiliser. From the pigeon valley viewpoint you can see Mount Erciyes which is one of the volcanoes that erupted millions of years ago and the lava flowed from it and ash and all that helped to create Cappadocia’s incredible landscape.
Visit the local markets: Uchisar has several markets and shops that sell traditional Turkish handicrafts, such as pottery, carpets, and textiles. You can also find local food and drinks, such as Turkish delight and apple tea.
Attend a Turkish cultural show: Many hotels and restaurants in Uchisar offer traditional Turkish cultural shows, such as belly dancing and whirling dervishes. These shows are a great way to learn about Turkish culture and traditions.
A Glimpse into History
We will go over everything you need to know about this important Turkish landmark, including its history, how to get there, and some tips to think about before you go. In the Cappadocian region, it is believed that the castle served as the region’s primary defense. Since it was made out natural caves in the rock into rooms that are next to each other, it’s not clear when it was built.
Cappadocia’s rock is very soft volcanic tuff, making it easy to work with and shape.As a result, a lot of the fairy chimneys and Uchisar Castle were made carving out buildings that were already in the natural landscape. On top of a hill is Uchisar Castle, a massive cylindrical mound of volcanic tuff. It is surrounded by a number of other cave structures, including hotels and restaurants in the town of Uchisar.
Should I stay in Uchisar or Goreme?
While Uchisar is great for those looking for luxury accommodations, we personally believe that Goreme is preferable due to its more accessible transportation links to Cappadocia’s top attractions.
What is Uchisar’s age?
Although there are records from the 14th century, it’s possible that settlers have been in the area since the 7th or 8th century.
Who ruled over Uchisar?
In the 11th to 12th century, the Byzantines conquered Uchisar.
Which tours visit Uchisar
Uchisar Castle is visited by the red tour.
