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6 places to visit in the Gülşehir district of Nevşehir: Açıksaray (Açık Saray) Ruins, Saint John Church (Karşı Kilise, the Church Opposite) and Kızılırmak Valley. Plan your trip to Gülşehir with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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The district covers 879 km² and lies at an average altitude of 924 metres above sea level. The ancient name of the district was Zoropassos, and its former name was Arapsun.

History

Silahdar Seyyid Mehmed Pasha, a Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire, built a complex in Gülşehir consisting of a mosque, a madrasa and a fountain. Açıksaray, 3 km from Gülşehir, became an important bishopric centre with spaces carved into tuff rock, Roman-period rock tombs and rock churches dating to the 9th–10th centuries. At the very entrance to Gülşehir is the two-storey Saint John Church; its lower floor contains a church, wine cellars, tombs and a water channel, while its upper floor has another church decorated with scenes from the Gospels. The town of Arapsun was renamed Gülşehir in 1948.

History and Culture

Vases and jars found in the cave at Civelek village show that the district’s history goes back to 7500–8000 BC. In the Byzantine period the district was known as Zoropassos. Gülşehir remained the religious capital of Cappadocia from the 3rd to the 8th centuries AD, but lost this title after the monks of Açıksaray rejected the practice of painting pictures. After the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, the region came under the control of the Seljuk Turks of Cappadocia and the district was renamed Arapsun. The district was officially registered as Gülşehir by a Council of Ministers decision in 1947, and in 1954 it gained the title of district (ilçelik).

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Places to Visit in Gülşehir

  • 2 Historic
  • 1 Ancient City
  • 2 Religious
  • 1 Nature
Ancient City

Açıksaray (Açık Saray) Ruins

An important bishopric centre about 3 km from Gülşehir, with spaces carved into tuff rock, Roman-period rock tombs and rock churches dating to the 9th–10th centuries.

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Religious

Saint John Church (Karşı Kilise, the Church Opposite)

A two-storey church at the entrance to Gülşehir. The lower floor contains a church, wine cellars and tombs; the upper floor has another church decorated with scenes from the Gospels.

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Nature

Kızılırmak Valley

The valley formed where the Kızılırmak (Red River) flows through Gülşehir offers a beautiful view with rocky slopes and green farmland. Walking and picnicking are possible on the riverbank.

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Historic

Gülşehir Castle

Castle ruins on the hill above the district centre, dating to the Seljuk period. The rock-carved structures around the castle and the viewpoint can be visited.

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Historic

Açıksaray Archaeological Site

A archaeological site with many spaces carved into tuff rock, Roman-period rock tombs and rock churches dating to the 9th–10th centuries, forming an important bishopric centre. It is about 3 km from Gülşehir.

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Religious

Saint John Church

A church carved as a two-storey structure into a fairy chimney; according to the inscription in its apse it dates to 1212. The upper floor contains a church decorated with scenes from the Gospels.

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Places to Visit Around Nevşehir Province

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While you are in Gülşehir, you can also see the highlights of Nevşehir province. These places are in other districts.

  • Göreme Open-Air Museum — An open-air museum made up of rock-cut monasteries and churches, famous for its Byzantine frescoes of the 10th to 12th centuries; the Dark Church, the Apple Church and the Snake Church are the main buildings.
  • Uçhisar Castle — A natural fortress at Uçhisar with hundreds of rooms carved into the rock; it is one of the highest points in Cappadocia, and the whole region can be seen from its summit.
  • Derinkuyu Underground City — A multi-storey underground city carved into the rock, 30 km from Nevşehir, with ventilation shafts, stables, wine workshops, churches and doors closed by rolling stones; it was discovered in 1963 and opened to visitors in 1967.
  • Kaymaklı Underground City — An underground city at Kaymaklı thought to have eight storeys, four of which are open to visitors; it has been open to visitors since 1964.
  • Zelve Open-Air Museum — An abandoned rock village spread across three valleys on the slopes of Aktepe, 5 km from Avanos; it was an important monastic centre in the 9th to 13th centuries, and people lived here until the 1950s.
  • Paşabağ (Monks Valley) — On the road to Zelve, one of the most photogenic spots in Cappadocia, with mushroom-shaped, multi-headed fairy chimneys.

Practical Information for Visiting Gülşehir

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn
Places to visit
6 places

What to Eat in Gülşehir

Food guide →

  • Gülşehir Mantısı (small dumplings)

    Small pieces of hand-rolled dough filled with minced meat and boiled. Served with a sauce of yoghurt and butter. Made with fresh, natural ingredients, it is a healthy option.

  • Testi Kebabı (lamb and vegetables baked in a clay pot)

    Prepared by baking lamb and vegetables in a clay pot. It is a traditional flavour of Cappadocia.

  • Kabak Tatlısı (pumpkin dessert)

    Made by baking squash in the oven and serving it with tahini and walnuts.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Gülşehir

  • Cappadocian Rock Church Tradition

    The rock churches of Gülşehir have been centres of worship and monastic life since the early Christian period. The frescoes in the Church of Saint John are among the finest examples of this tradition.

  • Settlement Culture on the Kızılırmak Shore

    Gülşehir is one of the rare places on the shores of the Kızılırmak where settlement has continued without interruption for thousands of years. The water provided by the river created ideal conditions for farming and settlement.

Local Products

  • Gülşehir Grapes — Grapes gathered from the vineyards of the Kızılırmak valley are used to make wine, pekmez (grape molasses) and sucuk (grape-must sausage).
  • Gülşehir Potatoes — Potatoes grown in volcanic soil are one of the district's important agricultural products.

Economy

The economy of Gülşehir is based on agriculture. Potatoes, wheat, barley and grapes are the main agricultural products. Viticulture and livestock farming are traditional livelihoods. Açıksaray and the rock churches bring tourism income.

How to Get to Gülşehir

Gülşehir is 10 km from Nevşehir and 15 km from Avanos. Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport is 40 km away.

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Gülşehir: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Gülşehir?

The highlights of Gülşehir are 6 places: Açıksaray (Açık Saray) Ruins, Saint John Church (Karşı Kilise), Kızılırmak Valley, Gülşehir Castle, Açıksaray Archaeological Site and Saint John Church.

What is there to eat in Gülşehir?

Gülşehir Mantısı, Testi Kebabı and Kabak Tatlısı are the standout dishes on Gülşehir's tables.

What is Gülşehir famous for?

Gülşehir is known for Gülşehir Grapes and the Cappadocian Rock Church Tradition. Grapes gathered from the vineyards of the Kızılırmak valley are used to make wine, pekmez and sucuk.

How do I get to Gülşehir?

Gülşehir is 10 km from Nevşehir and 15 km from Avanos. Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport is 40 km away.

How much time should I allow for a trip to Gülşehir?

Suggested visit: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.

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