Ortahisar Castle

Situated in the town of Ortahisar, a 10-minute drive from Goreme, Ortahisar Castle is one of the most popular historical treasures and highest points in the region. With amazing views stretching from Uchisar to Goreme, surrounding markets, and lots of photo opportunities, this castle is one of the first multi-story settlements in the world.

From the base, a short walk of alleys lined with cafes and a vintage wine cellar will take you to the ticket counter. From here, a 5-minute walk through caves, vertical ladders, narrow corridors, and an inner staircase will take you to the middle of the castle, an open plateau presenting an exhilarating view out front. Although the castle closes at 6 pm, just before this, one can still witness the dim golden light beams scattering all over the cities and villages overlooking the castle, provided the visit is timed correctly. While the origin of the castle isn’t yet clearly known, researchers have predicted its establishment during the Hittitie period, around 1600-1200 BC. The rock on which Ortahisar is built is called the “biggest fairy chimney of Cappadocia'' and opened up officially as a tourist destination in 2013 after undergoing many renovations and revising safety precautions.