Photo: Nurbanu Karaman (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source 9 places to visit in the Güzelyurt district of Aksaray: High Church (Yüksek Kilise), Ihlara Valley and Güzelyurt Underground City. Plan your trip to Güzelyurt with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Güzelyurt is a district of Aksaray province, close to Ihlara Valley. The district covers 285 km² and sits at an altitude of 1,532 metres. Its population is 10,419.
The district’s former name was Gelveri, a word formed from the Greek words for “beautiful” and “water”. The Orthodox saint Nenzili Gregor made Güzelyurt an important centre in spreading Christianity. Greeks living in Güzelyurt were sent to Greece in the Türkiye–Greece population exchange, and Turks from Selanik (Thessaloniki) were settled in their place.
In the district centre, you can see a monastery operating as a hotel and, in a hollow, a large Orthodox church.
The district’s name was changed to Gelveri in the Seljuk period and to Güzelyurt in 1965. After the War of Independence, Güzelyurt’s Greeks emigrated to Greece through the exchange. In the 4th century, the theologian Saint Gregory the Theologian made Güzelyurt a centre and helped spread Christianity in Anatolia. The half-rock-cut, ornate Greek houses of Güzelyurt are considered among the finest examples of Cappadocian architecture.
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This underground city beneath the centre of Güzelyurt was used by communities who practised their faith in secret during the first centuries of Christianity. Its multi-storey structure, ventilation shafts and storage areas make it one of the most important underground settlements in Cappadocia.
View on mapGelveri houses dating to the third and fourth quarters of the 19th century are among the finest examples of Cappadocian architecture. Their stonework, courtyard layouts and decorated façades reflect Ottoman-period civil architecture.
View on mapSelime Cathedral, at the northern end of Ihlara Valley, is the largest rock-cut monastery complex in Cappadocia. Its huge size and many-chambered layout impress visitors, and it was an inspiration for the Star Wars films.
View on mapGreek houses half cut into the rock, with ornate front façades; they have been restored and brought into Cappadocia's tourism.
View on mapAn archaeological site in Güzelyurt district centre, made up of many churches and chapels cut into rock, and underground cities; about five kilometres long.
View on mapThis Byzantine-period church in the centre of Güzelyurt is notable for its rock-cut structure and the frescoes inside. It is an important part of the region's Christian heritage.
View on mapA church inside Ihlara Valley, built in the 11th century. It was damaged by falling rock and, apart from its north wall, has collapsed.
View on mapIhlara Valley, 14 km long and the world's second-longest canyon, is a valley 100–150 metres deep, carved by the Melendiz River through volcanic tuff. It contains more than 105 rock-cut churches. Attracting more than half a million visitors a year, it is one of Türkiye's most visited ancient sites.
View on mapWhile you are in Güzelyurt, you can also see the highlights of Aksaray province. These places are in other districts.
Testi kebabı, made by baking lamb and vegetables in a clay pot, is the signature dish of the Cappadocia region. The pot is broken open when the dish is served.
Arabaşı, made by adding a mixture of flour and yoghurt to chicken broth, is the traditional winter soup of Güzelyurt.
Small pieces of dough filled with minced meat, cooked and served with yoghurt and garlic sauce. Güzelyurt's home-made mantı is known for its thin dough and generous filling.
This traditional bread, baked in a clay tandoor, is an essential part of village tables in Güzelyurt.
A bread specific to Güzelyurt (formerly Gelveri), known for the way it is made and for staying fresh for a long time. It holds a protected geographical indication.
A pastry baked in a stone oven in Güzelyurt over oak wood, which stays fresh for a long time.
Güzelyurt holds some of the best-preserved examples of Cappadocia's tradition of rock-cut settlement. Underground cities, rock churches and monasteries bear witness to this unique culture.
Güzelyurt's former name was Gelveri, and Greek and Turkish communities lived side by side there until the 1924 population exchange. This multicultural past can still be felt in the district's architecture and culture.
In the early Christian period, Ihlara Valley was an important monastic centre where monks withdrew to live in seclusion. More than 105 rock-cut churches bear traces of this tradition.
Güzelyurt's economy rests on tourism and agriculture. Ihlara Valley attracts more than half a million tourists a year and is the district's most important source of income. Wheat, barley and fruit are grown. Small livestock farming is an important livelihood in rural areas. As tourism grows, guesthouse and restaurant businesses are also expanding.
Güzelyurt is 45 km from Aksaray city centre and is reached by road. There are regular minibus services from Aksaray. The nearest airport is Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (80 km). For Ihlara Valley, private cars or tour transfers are preferred.
Güzelyurt's 9 highlights: High Church, Ihlara Valley, Güzelyurt Underground City, Güzelyurt Historic Houses (Gelveri Houses), High Church (Analipsis Church), Selime Cathedral, Monastery Valley, Güzelyurt (Gelveri) Houses and Karagedik Church.
Testi Kebabı, Arabaşı Çorbası, Mantı and Tandır Ekmeği are the standout dishes on Güzelyurt's tables.
Güzelyurt is known for its Pekmez and Cappadocian Rock Culture. Grape and mulberry molasses are produced there by traditional methods. Consumed in winter months as an energy source, pekmez is the region's best-known local product.
Güzelyurt is 45 km from Aksaray city centre and is reached by road. There are regular minibus services from Aksaray. The nearest airport is Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (80 km). For Ihlara Valley, private cars or tour transfers are preferred.
Suggested visit length: 2 days. Best time to visit: April-October.