Located in Cappadocia, this Turkish city is known for its unique volcanic landscape and ancient rock-cut churches. Nearby, the underground city of Kaymaklı reveals a fascinating subterranean history.
Nevşehir, situated in Turkey's Central Anatolia region, serves as the main urban center near Cappadocia's distinctive landscapes. While the city itself isn't a primary tourist destination, its location makes it ideal for visiting the region's famous sites. From Nevşehir, you can easily access the fairy chimneys of Göreme, the underground city of Derinkuyu, and the rock-cut churches of Zelve. Within the city, you'll find the historic Kurşunlu Mosque and the hilltop Nevşehir Castle, which date back to the Ottoman and Seljuk periods respectively.
Location and Geography of Nevşehir
Nevşehir is located 290 km southeast of Ankara, Turkey's capital city. The town sits at an elevation of 1,224 meters (4,016 feet) above sea level, which contributes to its continental climate. Its position within the historical Cappadocia region makes it a practical starting point for exploring the area's unique geological formations and cultural sites.
Main Sites in Nevşehir
Kurşunlu Mosque
The Kurşunlu Mosque, built in the early 17th century, exemplifies Ottoman and Tulip period architecture. Its design includes intricate stone carvings and calligraphy. The mosque complex houses a madrasah (religious school), hospice, and library, allowing you to explore Ottoman religious and educational institutions.
Nevşehir Castle and Kayaşehir
Nevşehir Castle sits atop a hill overlooking the city, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The castle's ruins date back to the Seljuk period. Nearby, you can explore Kayaşehir, an ancient rock-cut settlement with dwellings and passages carved into the soft volcanic rock.
Churches of Nevşehir
The city has several churches, including the Meryem Ana Kilisesi (Mother Mary Church) and the Hagios Georgios Church, also known as the 'Çanlı Church'. These religious sites display various architectural styles from different historical periods, such as Byzantine frescoes and Ottoman-era stone carvings.
Museums and Cultural Sites
The Nevşehir Museum displays artifacts from various periods, including the Middle Bronze Age, Byzantine era, and Ottoman times. You can view ancient pottery, terracotta sarcophagi, and ethnographic displays that illustrate the region's history. The museum provides context for the archaeological sites in the surrounding Cappadocia area.
Transportation and Accessibility
Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport, located 30 km northwest of the city, connects the region to major Turkish cities and international destinations. The city's inter-city bus station, situated about 6 km southwest of the center, links Nevşehir with other parts of Turkey. Future high-speed rail projects will connect Nevşehir with Antalya, Konya, Kayseri, and Ankara, improving accessibility.
Climate and When to Visit
Nevşehir has a continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers. The highest recorded temperature was 39.5°C (103.1°F) in July, while the lowest was -23.6°C (-10.5°F) in February. The city receives an average annual precipitation of 418 mm (16.46 inches). Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) often have mild temperatures and less precipitation, which can be good for exploring the city and its surroundings.
Local Cuisine and Dining
As a regional center with two universities, Nevşehir has many cafeterias and restaurants with reasonable prices. You can try traditional Anatolian dishes and local specialties while exploring the city's culinary scene. Some popular local dishes include testi kebabı (pottery kebab) and mantı (Turkish dumplings).
Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
From Nevşehir, you can easily visit Cappadocia's main sites. The Göreme Open Air Museum, with its rock-cut churches and Byzantine frescoes, is about 12 km away. The underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı, 40 km and 30 km from Nevşehir respectively, showcase ancient subterranean living spaces. You can observe the fairy chimneys in Ürgüp and Göreme, both within 20 km of the city. The town of Avanos, known for its pottery workshops, is 18 km northeast of Nevşehir. The Haji Bektash Veli Complex in Hacıbektaş, 45 km northwest of Nevşehir, is an important spiritual site for Alevis and Bektashi followers.
Historical Background
Formerly known as Muskara, Nevşehir was a small village until the 18th century. The town's growth began when Ottoman Grand Vizier Damat Ibrahim Pasha decided to develop his hometown. He initiated the construction of mosques, roads, and religious schools. In 1954, Nevşehir became a province of Turkey, further establishing its importance in the region.
