The Guvercinlik Valley in Uchisar is one of the must-see places, which fascinates people with its historical and natural beauties and welcomes millions of tourists every year. The Guvercinlik valley has such a landscape and beauty that cannot be seen in any other place in the world. In this fascinating place where you can enjoy watching the colorful hot balloons floating in the sky. Uchisar's Pigeon Valley is one of the most beautiful places that can be preferred for accommodation or scenery. The most well-known and visited valley of Cappadocia is located in an area of approximately 4 kilometers, starting from Uchisar and extending to Goreme.
You can watch the famous sunset from Uchisar Castle and witness a unique valley view with different pigeons. The reason why Uchisar is such a demanding location because it is on a hill where you can see all the wonderful valleys of Cappadocia. Local people still use this name for the valley, which was previously known as "Vasil Creek." According to a rumor, it is said that this name was given because of "Saint Basilius."It is possible to see all of these magnificent views with the walk you take in the valley. Another must-see beauty of the valley is the waterfall, which flows from a height of 15 meters and fascinates those who see it. Even if it is a little difficult to see the waterfall when you look from above, but you will definitely see it during your walk in the valley. There are many architectural and natural beauties you should see in the valley. Churches, underground cities, ruins, mosques, mausoleums are in this area, which makes you feel like you are in a completely different world.
The Story of the Name for Pigeon Valley
Guvercinlik Valley got its name from the many pigeon species around and the pigeon nests that are carved into the rocks. Especially on the eastern slope of the valley, there are plenty of pigeon nests called pigeon houses. According to locals, the people of this region started breeding pigeons in the 9th century, and from that, these pigeons were carefully preserved and cared for by the farmers. Meanwhile, it has been realized that pigeon manure is very important, especially growing grapes. Pigeons have become much more important to the farmers who see that the quality of the grapes obtained with the help of pigeon manure is much better. This is the source of Cappadocia's delicious grapes and winemaking tradition. At the same time, it is known that pigeon manure is used because it is efficient to preserve the colors of the drawings and patterns that color the church walls and ensure that the frescoes remain intact. In the colorful frescoes of many churches in the region, it is seen that the color-retaining property of the eggshell is used. For this reason, they fed the pigeons and used their manure in the vineyards and their eggs in the plaster of the frescoes.
Where is Guvercinlik Valley and How to Go?
Guvercinlik Valley is located close to Uchisar. The valley is 13 kilometers from away Urgup and Avanos, 6 kilometers from Goreme, and 1 kilometer from Uchisar. You can reach the valley in your private car or by renting a car or minibus, and there is more than one way to go. Visitors departing from Nevsehir can reach Uchisar Castle by following Adnan Menderes Street on the Nevsehir-Urgup road. Guvercinlik Valley is on the right side of the castle. If you came here with your private vehicle, it is possible to park your vehicles in the large area next to the gift shop. You can use 2 different ways to reach the valley. The first is the way down from the center of Uchisar, and the second is the route that requires more climbing from Goreme.
During the tour in the valley, you will see marked red zones to facilitate visitors' visits. If you don't follow these signs, you may end up on dead-end roads and have to walk back those paths. Therefore, if you say that you do not want to go back and waste time, we recommend following the red signs.
Attractions and Activities in Guvercinlik Valley
- Uchisar Castle
Uchisar Castle is the best place for those who want to look at the magnificent beauty of Guvercinlik Valley. You can easily see the whole valley from the castle. Because this is the highest point from which the valley can be viewed. You can watch the magnificent view of Mount Erciyes and thousands of fairy chimneys in front of you. The people who used to live in the castle, which was 160 meters high, started not to live in the castle over time due to the soft soil structure. People stopped living in this castle for fear that something would happen afterward. 8 TL is the ticket for visitors to enter in the castle. For students, this fee is 4 TL. In addition, the castle is open for visitors 7 days a week between 07.00-17.30.
- Evil Eye Bead Tree
Inside the Güvercinlik Valley, there is a wishing tree hung with evil eye beads. Rumor has it that single girls standing under this tree will get married soon. Not only for marriage, but if you have different wishes under the tree, you can wish them. You can feed the pigeons here while watching the magnificent view of the valley beside the evil eye bead tree.
- Tigraz Underground Shelter
Another must-see place at the bottom of the Guvercinlik Valley is the Tıgraz underground shelter. It is the second biggest castle of Uchisar. Inside, there are tunnels, warehouses, cellars, and rooms. Starting from the summit and reaching the valley, it gives magnificent moments to its guests with its seven-story settlement. Continuing from here, you reach the last Uchisar fountain, Tekelli Neighborhood. There is a ruined bulgur mill here. In the middle of the valley, there is the Yellow Castle, which was used as a church during the Byzantine Period.
Eating and Drinking (What to Eat?)
The first thing you should eat in Guvercinlik Valley is the traditional tandoori and pot kebab. There are many options for you. If you wish, you can eat both in the places that are built by carving the mountain and consist of stone tables, or you can choose the resting areas at the Goreme exit. On the way to Guvercinlik Valley, there are nice restaurants and cafes on the roadside where you can watch the magnificent views of the region.
Shopping ( What to Buy )
There are many souvenir shops on the valley road. Handmade towels, woven rugs, carpets, and bags in these shops can be good gifts for yourself and your loved ones. Stone sculptures and magnets, which are miniatures of the famous fairy chimneys of the region, will remind you of this magical area every time you look at it. You can find many more souvenirs about Cappadocia by visiting the tiny market nearby.
If you want to see more about Cappadocia, you can see our other articles. Click here.
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