CappadociaCappadocia ActivitiesUrgupÜrgüpUrgup townwhat to do in cappadociawhere to go in cappadocia
Urgup: Most beautiful Town of Cappadocia
At an altitude of 1800 m, the town of Urgüp is on the Kayseri road, 20 km from Nevsehir and 7 km from Göreme. The town, first founded around the hill of Temenni, was called Osiana in some old maps. From all aspects, Urgüp is one of the richest towns in the province of Nevşehir.
It was Urgüp that promoted the Nevşehir area to the world with its historical heritage and natural beauty.
In the town there are some remains from the Seljuks and the Ottomans, including an inn, Turkish baths, fountain, mosque and library. Hill of Temenni is the highest point of the town.
The carved rocks bearing the character of the entire Cappadocia region and the stone house mansions built on these rocks are quite many in the center of Urgup. It is worth walking on the streets of Ürgüp to see the workmanship of these stone houses. In the meantime, let me remind you that Ürgüp is the most active and crowded district of Cappadocia in terms of nightlife. Restaurants, wine houses and rock-carved bars suitable for every taste are flooded by tourists, especially in spring seasons. Especially for tourists, the nightlife, many restaurants, rock-carved small bars and wine houses, and the work of rock-carving and stone-houses are fascinating.
Turasan is one of the oldest wine producers of Cappadocia and the brand has some special wines that you should try. It’s very close to Urgup center.
Spectacular valley is 5 km to Urgup. Red valley is the best point to watch the sunset or sunrise in Cappadocia. Because Cappadocia consists of centers very close to one another you can also step into the valley from Ortahisar which is only 2 km away.
The valley got this name because of the rare red tuff rock formations in the Cappadocia region. Especially during sunset, the valley is painted red.
If you want to see this valley, which creates a colorful revel, my advice is to take your mat and wine 2 hours before sunset. You will reach Çavuşin 1.5 hours later on the track where you will walk with the sounds of birds and the flapping of pigeons.
At the very beginning of Red Valley, Uzumlu Church was devoted to St. Nichitas.
You can read more about Red&Rose Valleys and activities here.
The carved rocks bearing the character of the entire Cappadocia region and the stone house mansions built on these rocks are quite many in the center of Urgup. It is worth walking on the streets of Ürgüp to see the workmanship of these stone houses. In the meantime, let me remind you that Ürgüp is the most active and crowded district of Cappadocia in terms of nightlife. Restaurants, wine houses and rock-carved bars suitable for every taste are flooded by tourists, especially in spring seasons. Especially for tourists, the nightlife, many restaurants, rock-carved small bars and wine houses, and the work of rock-carving and stone-houses are fascinating.
Where to go in Urgup?
Turasan Wine Factory
Turasan is one of the oldest wine producers of Cappadocia and the brand has some special wines that you should try. It’s very close to Urgup center.
Red Valley
Spectacular valley is 5 km to Urgup. Red valley is the best point to watch the sunset or sunrise in Cappadocia. Because Cappadocia consists of centers very close to one another you can also step into the valley from Ortahisar which is only 2 km away.
The valley got this name because of the rare red tuff rock formations in the Cappadocia region. Especially during sunset, the valley is painted red.
If you want to see this valley, which creates a colorful revel, my advice is to take your mat and wine 2 hours before sunset. You will reach Çavuşin 1.5 hours later on the track where you will walk with the sounds of birds and the flapping of pigeons.
At the very beginning of Red Valley, Uzumlu Church was devoted to St. Nichitas.
You can read more about Red&Rose Valleys and activities here.
Rose Valley
Between Urgup and Avanos rose valley is another hiking point you should not skip. While walking the valley you associate fairy chimneys to rabbits, camels and you'll remember the valley within your imagination.
Gomeda – Üzengi Valley
6 km valley is a combination of Gomeda and Uzengi valleys between Ortahisar and Urgup. It’s one of the rare untrodden valleys in Cappadocia. Gomeda is one of the most enjoyable places in Urgup where you will see plenty of churches and multi-storey dovecotes.Alakara and Saint Basilios churches are some visit points in the valley.
Temenni Hill
Peak of the town, Temenni hill, has the best view of the town. On a clear day it’s even possible to see Erciyes Mountain. Saint Georgios Church and Seljuk tombs are located on top of the hill.
Monasteries of Urgup
Hallaç Monastery: 11th century. Hallaç Monastery is a hospital monastery where priests prepare and treat medicines for the local people.
Balkan Churches: This is churches colony of 4 connected rock carved buildings.Later a small chapel was added to them.
Keşlik Monastery: There are two churches carved into the rocks, holy water spring, monk cells, chapels, cafeteria, meeting hall, kitchen in this monastery.
Archangelos Church is the most interesting one in the monastery. It takes its name from the Gabriel fresco inside the church. Because of black stains on walls inside the church its also known as Black Church. Stefanos Church, St. Theodore Church, Sebasteia Church are the other churches in the area.
Mazı Underground City: 8 story underground city is 18 km from Urgup center.
You can read my article about underground cities here.
0 comments