Tekelli, Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Türkiye
Search for stays in Uchisar CastleSearch in Uchisar CastleMay 07 - May 08 • 2 guests
Find Hotels near Uchisar Castle
Towering 60 metres above the surrounding plateau, Uchisar Castle is the highest point in Cappadocia and the easiest panoramic viewpoint of the region's geology. The fortress is a hollowed volcanic outcrop riddled with cave dwellings, tunnels, and pigeon coops that once held a Byzantine garrison. From the summit terrace at 1,390 metres, you can see Mount Erciyes (3,917 m) on clear mornings, plus the entirety of Pigeon Valley below. Climbing takes 15 to 20 minutes via stone steps and a final metal stair; railings exist but vertigo sufferers should pace themselves. Entry costs TRY 200 in 2026, and opening hours run 08:00 to 19:00 in summer, 08:00 to 17:00 in winter. Combine the visit with lunch at the village's stone-walled restaurants like Center Cafe or Elai for traditional testi kebab cooked in a sealed clay pot.
Pro Tip: Climb 30 minutes before sunset for golden-hour light on the fairy chimneys, then walk down via the Pigeon Valley trail back to Goreme (45 minutes downhill).