Uchisar Castle

About Uchisar Castle

Uchisar Castle is the highest point in Cappadocia, a tall volcanic outcrop riddled with rooms, tunnels, and windows carved straight into the soft tuff rock. It sits in the village of Uchisar in the Nevsehir province of central Turkiye, roughly between Goreme and Nevsehir town. People have been hollowing out this rock for centuries, using the natural cavities and cutting new ones for shelter, storage, and defense. The result is less a built castle in the European sense and more a honeycombed peak, with a warren of passages that once connected the different levels inside.

From the top, the view takes in a wide stretch of the surrounding valleys, the fairy chimneys, and, on clear mornings, the hot-air balloons that drift over the region at sunrise. The climb to the summit involves stairs and some uneven, worn steps, so decent shoes help. Many guided day trips through southern Cappadocia stop at the base of the castle, often pairing it with the Kaymakli Underground City, a walk through Pigeon Valley, and viewpoints such as Esentepe and the old village of Cavusin. Whether you go inside and up to the top or just take in the rock formations from below depends on the tour and how much time you have.

The castle is one of the easiest landmarks to orient yourself by, since you can see it from much of the surrounding area. Climbing to the summit is a separate, paid entry, and it can get busy and warm around midday, so early morning or late afternoon tends to be more comfortable and better for photos. The upper viewing area is exposed, with low railings in places, so keep an eye on children and hold onto hats on windy days.