Uçhisar Castle

Uçhisar Castle, locally known as Uçhisar Kalesi, lies in the town of the same name, in the province of Nevşehir in Turkey.

The town of Uçhisar is situated in the Göreme Historical National Park in the Cappadocia region. This area is known for its many rock-cut structures; churches, dwellings, castles, and even entire towns.

The castle of Uçhisar is such a rock-cut structure. Although it doesn't resemble a 'normal' castle with towers, walls and machicolations, it did perform the functions of a castle as it was a fortified place of residence and refuge.

It was entirely carved out of a coniform rock composed of volcanic tuff. The rock is some 95 meters high, making it the highest point in the area. The inside of the rock is riddled with tunnels and rooms which served as living quarters, storehouses, kitchens, stables. There were also tombs and cisterns at the top of the rock.

The castle is thought to have been constructed in Roman or Byzantine times. More especially since the 7th century, when the area became frequented by Arab raids. In the late 11th century it was taken into use by the Seljuks.

Uçhisar Castle can be visited for a fee. Sadly enough, the majority of the carved out rooms are not accessible. In the valley beneath the castle are several beautiful fairy chimneys. Other similar, but smaller, castles nearby are Ortahisar Castle and Ishak Castle, both in the town of Ortahisar.

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