Historical and Archaeological Sites

Explore the multi-layered history of Cappadocia through its diverse archaeological landscape. This collection spans from the deepest multi-level underground cities like Derinkuyu to the Roman mosaics of Sobesos and the Seljuk-era Nevşehir Castle. The list highlights the region's religious evolution, featuring 9th-century Byzantine cave churches in the Red Valley and the 13th-century spiritual complex of Hacıbektaş-ı Veli, showcasing centuries of rock-cut architecture and defensive engineering.

Historical and Archaeological Sites — Harita

A

Derinkuyu Underground City

From almost 200 cities spread across the entire region, this fascinating underground city from the 7th century BC is the deepest one in…

B

Ortahisar Castle

This rock-cut castle was recently renovated and offers its visitors marvelous views of the town and fairy chimneys in the valley.

C

Kaymaklı Underground City

Located under the hill called the Citadel of Kaymakli, this underground cave-city is the widest one in the whole region.

D

Hacli Church

A 9th-century rock-cut church in the Red Valley featuring a large relief cross carved into the ceiling and well-preserved frescoes.

E

Grape Church

Located in the Red Valley, this 9th-century church is named for its frescoes depicting grape clusters, representing the region's ancient viticulture traditions.

F

Sobesos

An ancient Roman site featuring 4th-century floor mosaics, a bath complex, and a bouleuterion, providing a rare look at Roman urban life in Cappadocia.

G

Katpatuka Çamur Mağarası

A natural cave complex used for traditional mud baths and mineral-rich therapeutic treatments in a rock-cut environment.

H

Mazi Underground City

Mazı Underground City is an ancient underground settlement in Cappadocia in central Turkey.

I

Özkonak Underground City

This underground settlement is distinguished by its ventilation system and unique communication holes that allowed inhabitants to speak between different levels.

J

Columned church

A monumental rock-cut church in the Güllüdere Valley characterized by its high carved columns and 11th-century Byzantine architectural style.

K

Neşehir kalesi

A hilltop fortress from the Seljuk period that overlooks a recently discovered, sprawling underground city complex situated directly beneath the castle hill.

L

Özlüce Underground City

An underground settlement featuring single-story galleries carved into a different type of volcanic tuff than the deeper cities nearby.

M

Hacıbektaş-ı Veli

A 13th-century complex and museum dedicated to the Sufi philosopher Haji Bektash Veli, serving as the spiritual center for the Alevi-Bektashi order.

N

Nikeforos Fokas Kilisesi

A 10th-century Byzantine church built to honor Emperor Nicephorus Phocas, featuring large-scale frescoes including the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste.

O

Karabukut Church

A rock-cut cave church located near Ortahisar, featuring traditional Byzantine ecclesiastical design carved into the volcanic landscape.