History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Kayaşehir is a huge archaeological complex discovered by chance during urban transformation excavations in 2014 at the foot of Nevşehir Castle and registered as the world's largest underground hillside settlement. Spreading over an area of approximately 437 thousand square meters, Kayaşehir was inhabited uninterruptedly from the 6th century Early Byzantine period until the early 20th century. The complex includes rock-carved hillside palaces, a rock church dating back to the 6th century, water tunnels, horse stables, wineries, burial chambers, linseed oil mills and thousands of rooms. Nevşehir Castle, rising at the top, was built by the Seljuks in the 12th century to ensure the security of the Silk Road caravans, and was fortified by Grand Vizier Damat İbrahim Pasha during the Ottoman period. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
Kayaşehir is located on the historical castle hill in the south of Nevşehir city center, at an altitude of approximately 1,290 meters above sea level. The settlement, built in layers of terraces on a steep tuff volcanic rock mass, rises on a hill overlooking the city. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Ticketed entrance is applied under the control of Nevşehir Municipality (Affordable municipality tariff, student and discounted options are available).•Visiting Hours and Days:Open 7 days a week between 08:30 - 20:00 (Summer) and 08:30 - 17:30 (Winter).•Rules, Security and Stroller/Disabled Access: Underground tunnels and cliff steps are equipped with security cameras and modern lighting. Due to the slope steps, physically disabled and stroller access is partially limited; It is possible to go to the castle square by car.•Facilities and Facilities:There is a box office, professional guide service, observation terraces, cafeteria, souvenir sections, lighting and WC. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Camicedit Mahallesi, Kale Caddesi, 50100 Nevşehir Merkez / Nevşehir.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is right in the heart of Nevşehir city centre; The asphalt road climbing from the Atatürk Boulevard and Lale Sanayi junction to Kale Street is suitable for all vehicles.•Real Public Transportation Information: Nevşehir city public buses and minibuses operate up to the foothills of the castle. You can walk from the city center in 10-15 minutes.•Parking Availability:There is a large municipality-owned parking lot around the castle. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots and Frames:A bird's-eye view of Nevşehir city center from the castle walls, Kayaşehir rock-carved slopes mesmerizingly illuminated with LED systems in the evening, and the apse arch of the 6th century rock church.•Light and Shooting Hours:Night lighting with blue hours starting at sunset and immediately thereafter.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:Nevşehir ravioli, pumpkin seeds and chickpea stew in historical mansions at the foot of the castle.