Uçhisar Castle, Rock fortress in Cappadocia, Turkey
Uçhisar Castle is a fortress carved into natural rock in Cappadocia, rising to 1350 meters (4429 feet), with multiple chambers, passages, and tunnels throughout its structure. The entire building consists of interconnected rooms cut directly into the volcanic stone.
The fortress originated in the Hittite period and served as a key defensive structure throughout Byzantine and Ottoman times. Its long history shows how successive civilizations used this location as a strategic stronghold.
Local families made their homes in the chambers until the 1950s, showing how people adapted to living within the rock. The carved rooms reflect the daily life of those who dwelled there.
Access to numerous rooms and corridors is available, though certain sections remain closed for safety and maintenance reasons. Visitors should expect uneven surfaces and narrow passages that require careful footing and sturdy footwear.
From this location, visitors can look outward in all directions and simultaneously observe nearby settlements like Ortahisar, Göreme, and Avanos. The elevated position offers comprehensive views of the surrounding region.
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