Uçhisar Castle

History and architectureThe “castle” is a natural volcanic outcrop honeycombed with man-made chambers, tunnels, and stairways. Occupied since at least Roman or early Byzantine times, it formed part of a network of rock-cut fortifications including Ortahisar Castle and Ürgüp. During periods of Arab raids (7th–11th centuries CE) it sheltered local Christians; later, under Seljuk and Ottoman rule, it retained value as a lookout. Many of its hundreds of carved rooms have since eroded, giving the ...