Uchisar Castle

"Uçhisar Castle, standing as the highest point in Cappadocia, is a natural fortress that has played a significant role in the region's history. Shaped like a towering fairy chimney, the castle was transformed into a strategic military stronghold during the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. Its elevated position made it an ideal early warning system, allowing defenders to spot invaders approaching from a distance and coordinate defensive actions across the valleys below. Along with Ortahisar and Ürgüp, Uçhisar Castle formed part of a network of fortifications protecting the area from external threats. The castle's interior is a labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, and passageways carved into the soft volcanic rock, including a secret tunnel that once connected the fortress to a vital water supply, ensuring its inhabitants' survival during sieges. Visitors today can explore the eroded remains of the castle, where the rock's natural structure has been hollowed out into a honeycomb-like arrangement of rooms and lookout points. One side of the castle overlooks traditional houses built into the cliffs, while the other side reveals several layers of ancient pigeon nests, once used for gathering fertilizer. Located just four kilometers from Göreme, Uçhisar Castle is easily accessible by local transportation. The site is particularly popular at sunset when the castle offers panoramic "

"Uchisar Castle is the highest accessible point in Cappadocia, standing almost 200 feet (60 m) high. If you decide to stay in Uchisar, the castle is within easy walking distance and offers a great panoramic view of the surrounding area. Historically, Uchistar Castle housed around 1,000 people and was a key point of defense for the region. From the outside, the castle looks like a mass of rock that has been carved in haste, but this has always been the traditional way to carve buildings out of natural rock in the region. The castle is now derelict as people feared for their lives when the roofs began to collapse in the 1960s. Since then, Uchisar Castle has been transformed into a tourist attraction for history lovers and photographers! If you choose the famous Red Tour, you will most likely end the day at Uchisar Castle and enjoy the sunset from the highest point in Cappadocia. 💶 Paid admission ⭐️ Near the castle, you will find cafes, souvenir shops, and a mini market selling dried fruits 💡 After visiting the castle, don't miss the opportunity to walk around the village of Uchisar"

"Uchisar Castle is the tallest point in all of Cappadocia and the rooms of the castle are all hollowed out into the rock. All of the rooms are connected by tunnels or ladders, that bring you to the various levels. You’re able to climb through this castle today and explore what it felt like to live there in the Byzantine times. It’s estimated that 1,000 people lived within the castle during these times. Parts of the castle are still used today for pigeon houses where local farmers still come to collect pigeon droppings to use as fertilizer. You can enter the castle for just about $1 USD and the top of the castle provides amazing views of the surrounding areas. Just know that some of the stairs and ladders in the castle are a little steep and may be frightening to some travelers. Because of this, it may not be truly accessible for children."