Ortahisar
Ortahisar

Ortahisar

Famous for Ortahisar Castle, the castle-like rock formation that looms 295 feet (90 meters) above the town, Ortahisar—which translates to “Middle Castle”—sits at the heart of Cappadocia. Still largely overlooked by day-trippers and tours, the striking lookout point remains one of the region’s most underrated attractions.

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Ortahisar, Nevşehir, 50650

The basics

While the small village of Ortahisar is missed on many of Cappadocia’s most popular sightseeing tours, its castle—one of three Byzantine-era rock fortresses that once protected the Cappadocian region—may tempt you to make a detour. Built within a gigantic fairy chimney, it’s a veritable rock citadel with various rooms and tunnels to explore, as well as rock-cut steps and ladders that climb up to the summit. The reward is a magnificent view across the fairy chimney valleys, the village, and the distant peak of Mt Erciyes.

If you want to visit, it’s best to organize your trip independently, hire a local guide, or opt for a private or small-group tour with a customizable itinerary.

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Things to know before you go

  • You’ll need sturdy footwear and comfy clothes to hike up to the top of Ortahisar Castle. Watch your step along the way—the ladders and paths have been reinforced, but it can still be tricky to navigate the rocky terrain.

  • The castle has an admission fee.

  • Ortahisar is smaller and quieter than the tourist hubs of Göreme and Ürgüp, but you’ll still find a selection of restaurants, cafés, and accommodations. There’s also an ATM in the center of the village.

  • Ortahisar Castle is not accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, or visitors with limited mobility. The village is mostly accessible, but unpaved roads, steps, and natural rock doorways can still pose some difficulties.

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How to get there

Ortahisar lies at the center of the Cappadocia region, between the towns of Ürgüp and Göreme. It’s about a 15-minute drive from either town, and you can take a taxi, rent a car or moped, or catch one of the public dolmus minibuses. You could also hike to Ortahisar from Göreme (about a 3-mile or 5-kilometer walk) or Ürgüp (about a 3.7-mile or 6-kilometer walk), but be prepared for some steep uphill and downhill terrain.

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When to get there

Ortahisar Castle is open daily from morning to evening , but the best photo opportunities are typically in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is lower in the sky and provides a softer light. Being as you’ll be hiking outdoors, this is also a good way to avoid the midday sun.

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Local life and traditions in Ortahisar

Unlike some of the neighboring villages, Ortahisar remains a quiet farming town, with only a handful of hotels and guesthouses, affording a much more “local” experience. Many of the traditional stone buildings and cave houses are still inhabited by families or used as natural “refrigerators” to store potatoes, onions, and fruits imported from the Mediterranean. You can also learn more about local customs and traditions at the village’s Culture Museum Restaurant.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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