Places to Visit in Niğde

Niğde, located in the Central Anatolia region and neighboring the provinces of Kayseri, Aksaray, Konya, and Nevşehir, offers a wealth of places to see. As one of the distinguished cities in the Central Anatolia region, Niğde stands out with its natural beauty. Its cultural structure and historical texture attract the attention of both local and foreign tourists. The city has a deep history spanning over ten thousand years and has hosted many civilizations. In ancient times, it was known as “Nahita” or “Nakita.” Bearing witness to various civilizations, Nigde continues to carry the traces of its past. With a rich history and a deep-rooted culture, Nigde has gained prominence. Renowned for its delicious local cuisine and popular destinations such as mountain and cultural tourism, Nigde is a versatile and captivating city. The archaeological sites, natural beauties, thermal springs, and many other attractions offer a wide range of activities for visitors. Those who come to Nigde are enchanted by the city’s historical charm and cultural features, often longing to return for more exploration.

Places to Visit in Niğde

Gümüşler monastery is a historical site located among the places to visit in Niğde. Unfortunately, there is no available source providing detailed information about this monastery. Its mysterious structure, carved into the rock, is a particularly intriguing feature. The monastery is believed to date back to the 8th and 12th centuries. Another notable aspect that makes Gümüşler monastery famous is the church within its premises. The church has a closed Greek cross plan. The architectural features, historical texture, and mysterious ambiance make this monastery unique and capture the attention of people.

To enter the monastery, visitors are required to pay a certain fee. Those with a museum card do not need to pay this fee. With the museum card, visitors can enjoy two free visits per year. Situated prominently within Niğde tours, this area is a must-see for tourists and holds a special place among the places to explore in the region.

Niğde clock tower, considered one of the iconic structures of Niğde, is situated within Niğde castle. Built in the 1800s, the fact that this structure has survived to the present day is noteworthy. Another intriguing aspect of the tower is its use as a prison during the Ottoman period.

Niğde is located in a region where volcanic eruptions have occurred, leading to the presence of numerous thermal springs in the area. One of these is Çiftehan Thermal Springs, situated in the Ulukışla district, approximately 80 km away from the center of Niğde.

The water flowing from Çiftehan thermal springs contains abundant sulfate, calcium, chlorine, and sodium. The minerals found in the water are particularly beneficial for various skin conditions. The thermal springs are visited by individuals dealing with skin issues such as psoriasis throughout the year. Additionally, it is considered ideal for getting rid of dead skin cells and promoting relaxation. The thermal springs are also known to be beneficial for various muscle disorders.

Kocapınar thermal spring is located very close to the center of Niğde, and a short journey of only 2-3 km is sufficient to reach it. The water from the thermal spring is known to be beneficial, especially for stomach and skin issues. What sets it apart from other thermal springs is the availability of mud baths. Many tourists visiting Niğde come for the mud baths, believed to be beneficial for skin problems and muscle aches.

Kemerhisar springs, located very close to the town of Bor, is one of the thermal springs mentioned in historical inscriptions. It is one of the richest mineral springs, containing magnesium, sodium, and carbonate. The temperature of the water is around 15 degrees Celsius, making it suitable even for those who may be sensitive to hot temperatures.

Known for its effectiveness against kidney and liver problems, Kemerhisar springs is not an enclosed thermal facility. It is an open-air spring where hot water naturally accumulates in a pool outdoors, allowing people to enter and benefit from its properties.

The Roman Pool is a structure located 25 km away from the center of Niğde, and it is a legendary site. It is depicted as the pool where Cleopatra, one of the strongest and most beautiful women of the Ancient Egyptian period, took a milk bath.

Looking into the history of the Roman Pool, it dates back to the period before the fall of the Roman Empire. Research indicates that the structures were built in the 2nd century AD. The monument, thought to be commissioned by Trojan, stands out with its well-cut stones, particularly considering its era. The pool, adorned with marble details, is designed in such a way that its water reaches Kemerhisar, which is intriguing. When you visit Niğde, this structure, recognized as one of Turkey’s oldest historical artifacts, is a must-see. Additionally, the surroundings of the pool offer a natural haven.

The Kayardı vineyards, located in the center of Niğde, is one of the areas for those who enjoy spending time in green spaces. Similar to many regions in Cappadocia, the vineyards here are quite famous. The magnificent scenery is particularly appealing to those who enjoy trekking. If you visit Niğde, make sure not to leave without exploring the Kayardı vineyards.

One of the designated National parks, the Aladağlar National Park stands out with its natural beauty. Located at the summit of the Taurus Mountains, the Aladağlar National Park is spread over 55,000 hectares.

Visited by thousands of tourists every year, the park is particularly rich in various pine and fir tree species. Especially as you ascend towards the summit, you can witness a colorful vegetation welcoming you.

Aladağlar is a region not only favored for day trips but also for trekking and camping. It’s important to be aware that you might encounter animals such as wolves, jackals, martens, and wild boars in the park. Additionally, if you plan to stay in Niğde for more than a day, there are hotels available in Aladağlar for accommodation.

Narlıgöl, especially with its sunset views, offers visitors pleasant moments. As a crater lake, Narlıgöl has formed due to the activity of volcanoes. The waters filling the craters created by the lava spreading to the surroundings when the volcanoes became active have formed this crater lake.

Containing sulfur, which would normally make the lake bitter, Narlıgöl is a cold and freshwater lake. Therefore, in the past, it was named “Acıgöl,” meaning “Bitter Lake.” However, its name has been changed to Narlıgöl in modern times.

Narlıgöl is a region frequently visited by nature enthusiasts. It is preferred for picnics, daily nature walks, and camping. Additionally, regular bicycle tours are organized around the lake every year.

There are also springs where the water from Narlıgöl flows. You can take water from these sources and use it for skin problems. Research has shown that this water is beneficial for skin conditions such as psoriasis. Moreover, it can be used to reduce edema and accelerate blood circulation.

Göllüdağ is a destination more frequented by nature sports enthusiasts than regular tourists. As a volcanic mountain, Göllüdağ is in an extinct state. It is a popular choice for mountain climbing, and when you reach the summit, you will be greeted by a breathtaking panorama, further enhanced by the presence of a crater lake at the top, providing an opportunity to capture beautiful moments.

Çinli Lake is a glacial lake located in the Bolkar Mountains among the places to visit in Niğde. The depth of this lake is exactly 100 meters. Due to its considerable depth, the lake is colloquially referred to as the Bottomless Lake. One of the distinctive features of Çinli Lake is its captivating color. This deep lake has a navy blue hue that turns almost black, creating a visually stunning scene. Çinli Lake is also known for having water suitable for drinking. With its beautiful and unique scenery, the lake attracts the attention of photographers who capture fantastic shots of the landscape.

The serene structure and unique panorama make Çinli Lake a place where people can relax and escape from the stress of daily life. It is also a suitable area for camping, attracting nature enthusiasts who engage in activities such as camping and hiking. During the summer months, the camping areas around the lake become popular among visitors. Çinli lake is located in the Ulukışla district and is a must-visit destination for those organizing trips to Niğde.

Niğde castle is one of the must-visit places in tours organized with the Niğde travel guide. The unique historical texture of Niğde Castle makes it an essential destination. The construction of Niğde castle dates back to the 8th century BC, giving it a special place in history. One of its most prominent features is the Clock Tower, which was built on one of its towers and remains one of the symbols of Niğde to this day. The construction of this tower is believed to date back to the 19th century. Preserving its exceptional historical texture and enduring from ancient times to the present, Niğde castle is carefully protected. It is a structure that must be seen by those who visit the area.

Those wondering what to do in Niğde should definitely visit the Niğde Museum. Niğde museum boasts a cultural heritage spanning thousands of years. Numerous artifacts have survived to the present day and are exhibited here. Opened to the public in 1957, the museum consists of six halls. The artifacts within the Niğde Museum include remnants from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Coins, mummies, ethnographic artifacts, and findings from the Hittite and Phrygian periods are on display. Many remnants from ancient times can be found here, and the exhibited artifacts are a must-see for visitors.

Another place that should be visited by those organizing a trip to Niğde is Köşk Höyük. It is believed to have been a settlement between 6050 and 4911 B.C. Köşk Höyük is thought to have been a settlement during the Late Neolithic and Early Chalcolithic periods. Located in Cumhuriyet, Bahçeli/Bor/Niğde region, Köşk Höyük is a significant archaeological site.

Niğde is also rich in natural places, and among them is the Kayardı vineyards. The Kayardı Vineyards in Niğde serve as an oxygen storage area with their lush greenery. This place provides tranquility to individuals with its green trees, allowing people to escape from the stresses of daily life. Especially for those wanting to get away from big cities, the Kayardı Vineyards are a very suitable area. One can experience serenity and peace with an evening stroll here during the summer. It is a natural environment that visitors often prefer during the summer months. It is a must-visit location that should be included in the list of places to visit in Niğde. It is located within Niğde city center, in the Yukarı Kayabaşı Neighborhood. Access is very easy.

One of the historical structures that must be visited in Niğde is the Aleaddin mosque. This mosque has a unique story associated with it. The master of the construction was in love with a woman who happened to be the daughter of Niğde Sancak Bey. Knowing that he could never marry this woman, the craftsman symbolically expressed his love by carving a figure on the stone ornamentation of the door, which is now known as the “Crowned Woman Head.” Built in the year 1223, the architectural designers of this mosque were Sıddık and his brother Gazi.

Tyana Archaeological Site: The historical artifacts unearthed at the Tyana Archaeological site are exhibited at the Niğde Museum. Located in the town of Bahçeli, this site is known as the Roman Pool, and the ancient pool is named after the town as “Kemerhisar” because it transports spring water to the pool with arches. The water aqueducts are extremely ancient structures dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries.

This structure consists of a total of 15 caves. It has a two-story structure, with tombs located on these floors. These tombs are known as the “Kızlar Mağarası” or Girls Cave. The other tombs are constructed in a single-story fashion. One interesting feature of the rock tombs is that each has a hole. This area, known as Kuşkayası Mezarlığı or Kuşkayası Cemetery, is a must-visit location for those organizing a trip to Niğde within the city. It is essential for those arranging a visit to stop by and see this unique site.

Niğde’s historical places include another site believed to be from the Ilkhanate Period. It is thought to have been built in the Ilkhanate Period, dated back to 1335. The architectural details of this historic structure are unknown, but its doors feature various animal figures such as goat, horse, panther, bird, antelope, dragon, bull, rabbit, elephant, and more. With these figures, this mosque holds significant importance and is one of the places that must be visited within Niğde.

Niğde is located in the central anatolia region, bordered by the provinces of Nevşehir, Konya, Aksaray, Adana, and Mersin. Geographically, Niğde is situated between the north latitudes of 37° 21′ and 38° 23′ and east longitudes of 34° 00′ and 35° 15′. Niğde’s location is crucial as it is on a route connecting important provinces to each other.

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Places to Visit in Niğde