Travel Plan
Uçhisar Castle

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · CAPPADOCIA

Uçhisar Castle

The highest point of Cappadocia: a giant rock riddled with rooms and a 360-degree summit view.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
1 hour
Entry
Paid
Best time
Sunset
Area
Uçhisar

A giant rock riddled with cave rooms, the highest point in the area.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Uçhisar, Kale Sk., 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir

  • By car or taxi: About 10 minutes from Göreme.
  • On foot: Hike through Pigeon Valley from Göreme in about 1 hour.
  • Bus: Local minibuses link Göreme, Uçhisar and Nevşehir.

The story of Uçhisar Castle

Uçhisar Castle is a huge natural rock pinnacle, about 60 metres high, hollowed out over centuries into rooms, tunnels and pigeon houses. For centuries locals lived and sheltered inside it, and it served as a lookout over the valleys.

From the top, the whole of Cappadocia spreads below: Pigeon Valley, the fairy chimneys of Göreme and, on clear days, the snowy peak of Mount Erciyes. Pigeon houses carved in the cliffs once collected droppings used to fertilise the vineyards.

Best time to visit

Best season

Spring and autumn.

Best time of day

Sunset from the summit or from the terraces below.

Winter

Steps can be icy; take care.

Tips before you go

  • Climb to the top at sunset for views over the valleys.
  • The climb is short but steep; wear good shoes.
  • Walk back to Göreme through Pigeon Valley for a beautiful hike.

Best hotels near Uçhisar Castle

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Museum Hotel

Luxury cave hotel in Uçhisar with an infinity pool facing the valleys.

See prices

Argos in Cappadocia

Elegant cave hotel in an old monastery complex in Uçhisar.

See prices

Sultan Cave Suites

Göreme cave hotel famous for its balloon-view terraces.

See prices
All hotels near Uçhisar Castle

What's around Uçhisar Castle

  • Pigeon ValleyA canyon of pigeon houses linking Uçhisar and Göreme.
  • Göreme10 minutes away.
  • Uçhisar villageQuiet lanes, cafés and viewpoints.
  • Love ValleyThe famous tall rock pillars, 15 minutes away.

Questions travellers ask

How long does the visit take?

About an hour, including the climb.

Is the climb hard?

It is short but has steep, uneven steps.

Is it worth it?

Yes, it offers the best panoramic view in Cappadocia.

More in Cappadocia

Göreme Open-Air Museum

Göreme Open-Air Museum

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Paşabağ fairy chimneys

Paşabağ fairy chimneys

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Red & Rose Valleys

Red & Rose Valleys

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Göreme village & the balloons

Göreme village & the balloons

Read the guide
Love Valley

Love Valley

Read the guide
Back to the Cappadocia guide
Travel Plan · Uçhisar Castle Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure