Photo: Dosseman (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source 5 places to visit in the central district of Niğde: Niğde Castle, Alaeddin Mosque and Niğde Museum. Plan your trip with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Niğde centre lies in the south-east of Central Anatolia, at the southern tip of Cappadocia and on the northern foothills of the Taurus Mountains.
The province is now one of Türkiye’s most important potato and apple producing centres.
The Andaval church was first described in a travelogue published in 1842. The wall paintings in the church are believed to have been painted between the 11th and 13th centuries.
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Photo: Dosseman (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source Built in 1223 by the Seljuk Sultan I. Alaeddin Keykubad, the castle stands on the rocky hill in the city centre. From the clock tower inside the castle and from the walls, there is a view of the city of Niğde.
View on mapBuilt in the Seljuk period in 1223, this mosque is the oldest place of worship in Niğde. The stone decorations and geometric motifs on its portal are fine examples of Seljuk stonework.
View on mapThe museum displays archaeological works from the Hittite, Roman, Byzantine and Seljuk periods. Finds from the ancient city of Tyana are especially notable. The mummified nun is the most interesting piece in the museum.
View on mapBuilt in 1335 during the Eretna Principality period, this mosque is an important example of Beylik-period architecture with its stone decorations and wooden minbar.
View on mapThe Andaval Archaeological Site in Aktaş village; address: Niğde Merkez.
View on mapPrepared by boiling small hand-rolled dough pieces filled with minced meat. Served with a garlic yoghurt and red-pepper butter sauce. Prepared by local people on special occasions, this dish is a symbol of hospitality.
A thick soup made from chicken broth and flour, the traditional dish of Niğde's winter tables.
Prepared by cooking locally grown apples with sugar and serving them with walnuts and cinnamon.
Niğde was one of the important cities of the Anatolian Seljuk period. The castle, mosques, madrasas and hammams keep the architectural heritage of this period alive.
Founded in 2007, the university bears the name of Ömer Halisdemir, a martyr of 15 July. With more than 30,000 students, it contributes to the social and economic life of the city.
The economy of Niğde is based on agriculture and industry. Apples, potatoes and cereals are the main agricultural activities. The organised industrial zone hosts food processing and textile factories. Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University also contributes to the economy.
The nearest airport to Niğde is Kayseri Airport (130 km). It is 330 km from Ankara and 180 km from Adana. Intercity bus services run regularly. There is also a railway station.
The five highlights of Niğde city centre are Niğde Castle, Alaeddin Mosque, Niğde Museum, Sungurbey Mosque and Andaval Archaeological Site (Church of Constantine and Helena).
Niğde Mantısı, Arabaşı Çorbası and Niğde Elma Tatlısı are the standout flavours on Niğde city centre's tables.
Niğde city centre is known for Niğde Elması and the Seljuk Architectural Heritage. Niğde is one of Türkiye's most important apple-producing centres. High altitude and the difference between day and night temperatures give the apples a distinctive taste and colour. It is a product with a geographical indication.
The nearest airport to Niğde is Kayseri Airport (130 km). It is 330 km from Ankara and 180 km from Adana. Intercity bus services run regularly, and there is also a railway station.