Guzelyurt
To witness a dazzling dance of nature and history drop by Güzelyurt
If you think history, architecture and archaeology are exciting, Güzelyurt, Aksaray is a place that you must see. Güzelyurt a town near Cappadocia, is a real open-air museum where the works of art starting from the Neolithic era up to the Roman period are exhibited. Cappadocia’s charming gateway to the west, Güzelyurt, is a historical melting pot of Turkish and Greek culture. The architectural beauty of the houses once owned by Greek residents up until their departure will surely grab your attention. These houses which have their construction dates written on their doors, are definitely worth seeing.
When you visit Güzelyurt, the first place you must see is the dazzling Valley of Ihlara. This 14 km long and 100-150 meters high valley is the home to houses, churches and graves carved into the rocks. These architectural landmarks were able to be preserved for thousands of years. The frescoed churches reflect the fact that this area is of the utmost importance for Christianity, ever since the 4th century. In this regard, during your trip to Valley of Ihlara, you must visit the churches such as Sümbüllü, Kokar, Ağaçaltı, Pürenliseki, Eğritaş, Kırkdamaltı, Bahattin Samanlığı. The area serves as a host to dazzling historical landmarks and a magnificent view of the Mount Hasan, the refreshing sounds of the Melendiz creek and the natural beauty of the surrounding trees.
The second place you must see in Güzelyurt, and the place where believers of the Christian faith hold sacred is the 4.5 kilometers long Valley of the Monastery. Around this valley you can find up to 50 churches and monasteries. The carved houses, churches and underground cities attract many tourists each year, making your trip a historical delight and awe inspiring. The Valley of the Monastery holds a great importance for the founding of the Orthodox Church and is known to host one of the founders of the church, Saint Gregory. The narrow tunnels, rooms, halls, churches and defenses located on the first three floors of the underground city at the entrance of the valley is open for visitors and enchants tourists from all over the world. The Valley of the Monastery is also available for hiking, and it is a spot preferred for those who love long nature walks.
The best place to visit when you want to relax from all the sightseeing is the Ziga thermal springs located in the village of Yaprakhisar near Güzelyurt. These thermal springs are only 18 kilometers away from the city center, and the water temperature is 47 degrees Celsius. These springs that are extremely rich in minerals is known to help those afflicted with certain diseases. During your visit an activity you can participate in is the annual Turkish-Greek Friendship, Culture and Tourism festival. Don’t forget to go down to the town center and visit local restaurants to taste the local cuisine. Güzelyurt, the land where different cultures melt into one, will also leave its visitors with fond memories of its cuisine.