Ürgüp, located 20 kilometers from the city center of Nevşehir, is one of the most touristic districts in the region. Situated in Cappadocia, it has a rich history dating back to ancient times.
Ortahisar
The history of Ürgüp reaches back to the Byzantine period and has seen influences from various civilizations. The region, which became part of Turkish territory during the Seljuk era, was known as Burgut during the Ottoman period. It was renamed Ürgüp following the establishment of the Turkish Republic.
Grapes on the sun in Cappadocia valley, Turkey.
Climate and Cuisine
Ürgüp’s climate is typical of the central Anatolian region, featuring hot and dry summers with little rainfall and extremely cold winters. Especially from December to March, the number of nights below freezing is quite high.
Ürgüp’s cuisine is predominantly based on legumes and pastries. Lamb stew and apricot lamb are among the authentic flavors. The region has historically been known for its homemade wines, and even today, there are places where tourists can purchase local wines.
A typical Cappadocia house living room
Places to Visit
Ürgüp is renowned for its fairy chimneys and historical and natural structures. It’s a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts, especially during sunrise and sunset. The fairy chimneys, including the famous “Three Beauties,” have made the region a center of attraction. There are also churches and castles from the past to explore.
Three Beauties in Ürgüp
- Three Beauties: Located on the Ürgüp-Avanos road, these three fairy chimneys greet visitors and have become the symbol of the region. There are also many shops selling local handicrafts, pottery, and ceramics.
- Red Valley Fairy Chimneys: For those who want to see more fairy chimneys, Red Valley is an excellent choice. The fairy chimneys here attract significant attention.
- Üzümlü Church: Located in the Red Valley, this church is a great spot for capturing beautiful sunset scenes.
- Ortahisar: A popular destination for tourists, Ortahisar hosts the Ortahisar Castle, Tavşanlı Church, Halaçdere Monastery, and an Ethnography Museum.
- Mustafapaşa: Formerly a Christian settlement, Mustafapaşa is known for its chapels and churches, attracting significant interest for religious tourism.
- Mazı Underground City: Located 18 kilometers from Ürgüp, this underground city with four entrances and a single layer also has surrounding rock tombs.
- Ürgüp Balloon Tours: Hot air balloon tours are a popular activity in Ürgüp, especially at sunrise.
Hot air balloon flying over spectacular Cappadocia.
How to Get There
To reach Ürgüp by air, you can choose Nevşehir or Kayseri airports. Ürgüp is 60 kilometers from Kayseri. Additionally, at just 300 kilometers from Ankara, Ürgüp is also accessible by road.