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Ortahisar

Magnificent views

Best Known for
The castle
Underground storages

Population
14,262

Airports
Nevsehir Airport
Kayseri Airport

Best Time to Visit
May-June
August-November

For tens of centuries, the soft rock of Cappadocia has attracted hundreds of thousands of people looking for a haven or to lead an isolated religious life away from the corrupting influences of the world. In certain areas, the early Cappadocians made citadels and fortresses out of existing giant fairy chimneys. As a result, small thriving communities like Ortahisar developed around the bases of such fortifications.

This village sits at the foot of one of the region’s largest rock citadels (86 meters high), the Ortahisar (Middle Fortress) Castle, and is a significant tourist attraction. Compared to Uchisar Rock Castle, Ortahisar comes short in size and fame, but it still makes for an excellent visit, offering a stunning view of the landscape.

If you want to enjoy such and many more breathtaking views, contact us today.

Concierge Pin

Planning a trip to Cappadocia? Answer this trip planner and get your FREE quotation within 24 hours.

For tens of centuries, the soft rock of Cappadocia has attracted hundreds of thousands of people looking for a haven or to lead an isolated religious life away from the corrupting influences of the world. In certain areas, the early Cappadocians made citadels and fortresses out of existing giant fairy chimneys. As a result, small thriving communities like Ortahisar developed around the bases of such fortifications.

This village sits at the foot of one of the region’s largest rock citadels (86 meters high), the Ortahisar (Middle Fortress) Castle, and is a significant tourist attraction. Compared to Uchisar Rock Castle, Ortahisar comes short in size and fame, but it still makes for an excellent visit, offering a stunning view of the landscape.

If you want to enjoy such and many more breathtaking views, contact us today.

Concierge Pin

Planning a trip to Cappadocia? Answer this trip planner and get your FREE quotation within 24 hours.

The History

The Castle

How to Get There

Key Features

Tips & Etiquette

Like many other fairy chimneys in the region, Ortahisar was formed millions of years ago due to volcanic eruption and the gradual erosion of the resulting rock. Nonetheless, the exact period of the citadel’s fortification is unknown, with some researchers suggesting that the Hittites erected the first structures on Ortahisar.

In the Byzantine era, the fortress formed one of three that guarded Cappadocia, the other two being Baskale (Main Castle) in Urgup and Uchisar (Third Fortress). For the longest time, the rock citadel was known as the most prominent fairy chimney in Cappadocia. Still, steady erosion has decreased its size so much that in 2004, it was closed as a precautionary move to prevent an accident. It stayed closed until 2013 when it was reopened after the necessary steps had been taken.

Today, the rock citadel has undergone extensive renovation to prevent it from collapsing. In addition, any cracks in the castle walls are filled with special materials designed to avoid further erosion. As a result, the structure looks pretty spectacular from the outside and is surrounded by the kind of architecture unique to Cappadocia.

Inside, the region’s early inhabitants carved charming rooms and saloons, providing intriguing insights into their lives. To connect these rooms, there are lots of mazy tunnels running throughout the structure. The town surrounding the citadel is also full of lots of lovely abbeys and churches.

Several minibusses operate regularly from Urgup and Nevsehir to the town. It is 15km east of Nevsehir, 6km west of Urgup, and 5km south of Goreme town. You can also use a rented car to travel from your base to the town.

  • Among all the Cappadocian towns, including Urgup, Uchisar, Goreme, and Nevsehir, Ortahisar sits centrally.
  • Some parts of the fortress have crumbled and are thus, inaccessible to the public.
  • Agricultural products grown in the area are stored in rooms carved out into the castle.
  • Houses in Ortahisar are raised step by step to the castle.
  • For a convenient hike, put on sturdy shoes to prevent slipping and wear sturdy shoes
  • Although there are chains to protect visitors from falling, exercise the highest level of care while at the top.

Visiting Ortahisar Town and Castle

One thing you will quickly realize about Ortahisar is that the town may have a couple of hotels, restaurants, and even a museum, but it leads to mostly traditional town life. Therefore, if you want to enjoy a more profound Turkish experience that is yet to be influenced by the influx of tourists, this is the town to be. Moreover, the inhabitants here are pretty friendly, which serves to enhance your traditional experience further.

As you enter the town, pay close attention to the doors on the rock surfaces on either side of the way. The doors open into natural air-conditioned rooms that store local potatoes, onions, quinces, oranges, lemons from the Mediterranean, and apples from Nigde. These rooms are arguably the best example of cool-air storage in the entire region.

The first thing you’re going to love is the picturesque stone houses built on either side of the narrow streets of the town. And in line with the Cappadocian norm, there are several lovely homes and houses carved directly into the town. These churches are vital to the history of the town and Cappadocia as a whole.

You can start by exploring the Ali Reis Church, which sits on a street close to the rock castle. On the central dome of the church, there is a painting of Christ. Within the town, there are the Balkan Valley and a couple more churches.

If you still want to explore more medieval churches, a few have been restored and opened in the vicinity of the town. These include the Sarica Church, Kepez Church, and Pancarlik Church. The last church, in particular, is decorated by well-preserved frescoes decorating its ceiling so that the hike will be worth it.

Speaking of hikes, what brings visitors to the town is the opportunity to hike the Ortahisar and get to the summit. This giant rock castle is honeycombed with tunnels and caves, with a staircase installed to help visitors access the peak. From up here, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the entire area, including the snowy peak of Mt. Erciyes. You can also see stunning fairy chimneys while in the summit, which by the way, is an excellent place to take photos.

Opening Hours

The rock castle in the town is open daily from 8 am to 6 am.

Cappadocia Tours

What is Nearby

Ortahisar is central and, thus, in proximity to many attractions in the region. However, some places like Goreme are not that far off, and you can even walk all the way and explore the Goreme Open Air Museum.

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