Even if you choose to stay in Göreme rather than one of Uchisar’s fairy chimney hotels, or simply visit for the day as part of a multi-day Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye) itinerary, almost every visitor to Cappadocia will take a look at Uchisar Castle. The classic way to appreciate it is on one of Cappadocia’s signature sunrise hot air balloon flights, but ground transport is more affordable. Look for tours that include a sunset stop with a view, or opt for a guided hike from Göreme through Pigeon Valley and/or Rose Valley with a sunset stop.
Uchisar Castle is at the heart of Uchisar and is impossible to miss from miles around. It’s about a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) walk southwest of Göreme town, or opt for the scenic route via Pigeon Valley and make an adventure of it. Occasional buses and dolmus minibuses run along the main road from Göreme, while there are also connections to Nevsehir and Avanos.
The castle is open from early morning until evening. Visit early in the day to avoid the coach tours or brave the crowds at sunset.
Technically two neighboring “fairy chimneys”, Uchisar Castle has been used as both a watchtower and a defensive castle for around 2,000 years—the Romans even mounted enormous trebuchet slingshots to defend it. By the 16th century, around 3,000 people lived in its warren of rooms—and it remained inhabited until the 1960s.
