Ortahisar Castle

Ortahisar Castle is a massive natural rock formation that has been carved and modified over centuries to serve as a fortress and residential complex. Rising 90 meters high, this impressive structure dominates the town of Ortahisar and offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views in Cappadocia. The castle has been continuously inhabited for over 2,000 years, with evidence of occupation dating back to Roman times, though most of the visible modifications were made during the Byzantine period.

The castle's interior is a labyrinth of rooms, tunnels, and passages that extend deep into the rock formation. Historical records indicate that the castle served as both a defensive stronghold and a residential area for local communities. The structure includes storage rooms, living quarters, and even stables carved into different levels of the rock. What makes Ortahisar unique is its integration with the modern town below, where traditional cave houses are still inhabited by local families. The castle's strategic position made it an important observation point for detecting approaching armies, and its elevated location allowed for signal communication with other fortresses in the region.