Gateway to Cappadocia! 4 Recommended Tourist Attractions in Nevşehir

Cappadocia, famous for its surreal rock formations, refers to a region spanning 50 kilometers north to south that comprises four towns—Nevşehir, Göreme, Ürgüp, and Avanos—and various scattered tourist sites. “Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia” was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1985.

Among these, Nevşehir plays the role of the gateway to Cappadocia, thanks to its airport and large hotels. In recent years, chic cave hotels and restaurants have been opening one after another in Cappadocia, making it one of Turkey’s most popular tourist destinations. Here are some recommended attractions in the town of Nevşehir to help you plan your visit.

1. Göreme Open-Air Museum

Göreme, located in Nevşehir Province, is considered the center of tourism in Cappadocia, and its Open-Air Museum is particularly famous. Since various historical sites are spread out in the area, they have been collectively designated as an open-air museum.

In Cappadocia, many Christians began living here around the 4th century, and from around the 9th century, to escape the rising forces of Islam, they carved churches and monasteries out of the rock. Göreme became the “hidden refuge of Christians.” Incidentally, the name “Göreme” is said to mean “that which should not be seen.” Although it is believed that there once were between 350 and 500 churches in the area, currently about 30 churches are open to the public.

The vivid frescoes painted by the early Christians—known as the “Cappadocian style”—are truly unique. Some of the churches offer audio guides, so if you’re interested, take your time and explore with commentary.

2. Zelve Open-Air Museum

The Zelve Open-Air Museum offers a different atmosphere from the Göreme Museum. It is set within a national park surrounded by surreal rock formations. With relatively few tourists, it’s a hidden gem where you can enjoy Cappadocia’s unique rocks all to yourself while taking a leisurely stroll.

In the village of Zelve, Christians and Muslims once coexisted harmoniously until 1924. The Christians eventually left, and in the 1950s, when cave dwellings became unsafe, the Muslims established New Zelve nearby. The area later became a ghost town but has since been rehabilitated as a national park.

Characteristic beehive-like dwellings, frescoed remnants in ruined churches, and rock-carved mosques and minarets can all be found here—making it a fantastic spot for photography.

3. Damat Ibrahim Pasha Külliyesi

Ibrahim Pasha, a notable figure in the history of Nevşehir, transformed the then-sleepy town by relocating the market from the flourishing Ürgüp, welcoming immigrants, and restoring the dilapidated Nevşehir Castle to rebuild the town. The Damat Ibrahim Pasha Külliyesi is a complex built in 1727, centered around a mosque and comprising a university, theological school, dining hall, hammam, caravanserai, and more. It is open to the public, though it is less frequented by foreign tourists and is better known among Turkish visitors.

The former Islamic theological school has been converted into a university library that now houses 40,000 volumes. The Turkish-style steam bath (hammam) is still in operation, offering traditional exfoliation treatments. Within the complex, the Nevşehir Museum, which exhibits relics excavated from Cappadocia, is also located—highly recommended for archaeology enthusiasts.

4. Kaymaklı Underground City

Among the several underground cities open to the public in Cappadocia, the most popular is Kaymaklı Underground City in Nevşehir. This underground city is built with eight levels, and visitors can tour up to the fourth underground level. The narrow passageways are so tight that adults often have to stoop, and in many sections, only one person can pass at a time—a design that may have been intended to make it easier to fend off invaders in case of an attack. The city contains everything needed for daily life, including churches, schools, and assembly halls, and even features a communal kitchen with traces of soot.

Kaymaklı Underground City is believed to have been the refuge for early Christians who escaped Roman persecution and found their way to Nevşehir. Its expansion over centuries remains shrouded in mystery, with many details about its construction still unknown. Enjoy your exploration as if you were an adventurer uncovering ancient secrets!

◎ Nevşehir Tourist Attractions Summary

Since the attractions in Nevşehir are spread over a wide area, it’s convenient to rent a car or join a local tour. Many visitors become so enamored with Cappadocia’s breathtaking landscapes and unique atmosphere that they extend their stay for weeks. Note that the region is known for its dramatic temperature differences between morning and evening, and its surprisingly arid climate. Sunscreen, a hat, and lip balm are essentials when touring, and even in summer, evenings can be chilly, so don’t forget to bring a jacket.

It is said that in 2013 a new, massive underground city was discovered in Nevşehir—a discovery that could rewrite history. We eagerly await the day it is opened to the public!

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Gateway to Cappadocia! 4 Recommended Tourist Attractions in Nevşehir