Ortahisar Fortress Ortahisar Cappadocia Castle

Ortahisar Castle

Located in the center of Ortahisar, the castle is one of the world’s first multi-storey settlements. During the Hittite period, it served as a refuge and shelter for historic Silk Road caravans. This giant castle with fabulous trumpets was first carved by the Hittites.

It is a place that fascinates you with its unique, indescribable nature and cultural structures that you cannot define. The museum map of Cappadocia, which is bought by those who pretend to be travelers all year round, so as not to pay for entrance to the museums and ruins of Cappadocia, does not apply everywhere.

Nevsehir Ortahisar Castle was annexed to the Ottoman Empire in 1470 by order of Sultan Fatih Mehmet. Ishaq Pasha Castle, also called the small Ortahisar Castle, which can be seen from the east side of the castle, is said to be associated with the conquest of Ortahisar Castle. Namely: Fatih Sultan Mehmet sends Ishaq Pasha to this region to solve the Karaman problem. As soon as Ishak Pasha arrived, he wanted to capture the fortress of Urgup, which today is also called Temenni Hill. When the time came for the capture of Ortahisar Castle, the inhabitants began to defend themselves against Ishaq Pasha and blocked the entrances and exits of the castle with huge millstones. When Ishaq Pasha realized that he could not enter the castle in this way, he dug tunnels underground and conquered the castle only by entering it through tunnels. It is rumored that the tar well at the entrance to Ishaq Pasha Castle was opened during the conquest of Ortahisar Castle.

Places to visit near Ortahisar Castle

Reflecting the local features of Cappadocia, the city of Ortahisar and its surroundings have many natural beauties and historic buildings worthy of attention. Since many civilizations have been here for centuries, traces of a rich monastic life can be seen in the churches of Ortahisar. Harim Church, Tavshanli Church, Kambazli Church, Sarych Church, Balkan Creek Church, Uzumlu Church and Hallach Dere Monastery are some of those historical monuments that can be seen in Ortahisar. . .

The only ethnographic museum representing the local culture of Cappadocia was opened in Ortahisar in 2004. Located in Kumhuriyet Square, the museum holds a chamber orchestra concert annually on April 27 and is also known as the Ortahisar Culture Museum. You can visit the museum every day, where you can see many local features of Cappadocia, from the processing of tuff rocks to carpet weaving and begging girls. we recommend our guests to visit Ortahisar Castle.