Places to Visit in Avanos

In our Avanos travel guide, we will provide answers to important questions such as places to visit in Avanos, the history of Avanos, how to get to Avanos, and where Avanos is located. The historical significance of Avanos, which is a must-see for both local and foreign tourists reaching the region, stands out. You can gather detailed information from guides during the tours you participate in. You can also learn what you need to know about Avanos from the continuation of our article.

In the Avanos travel guide, it is worth mentioning that there are many beautiful breakfast and dining halls in the region before starting to explore Avanos. You can taste local cheeses for breakfast and find the best version of olive oil and olives from Balıkesir. Avanos always offers a natural breakfast, and there are also accommodation alternatives. In addition to old stone house pensions, you can stay in restored houses, historic Greek houses, or cave houses. Avanos also has places for camping. Now, as we provide more details about the places to visit in Avanos, it should be remembered that this region is truly worth seeing with its churches, historical houses, monastery, valley, and caravanserai.

Avanos Places to Visit Avanos is a district of Nevşehir Province. The distance between the city center and Avanos is 27 km on the D300 highway. You can easily reach the region with your personal vehicle or within the scope of organized tours.

If the places to visit in Avanos are listed;
• Belha Monastery
• Historical Avanos Houses
• Güllüdere Church
• Cavusin
• Tumulus of Chech
• Saruhan Caravanserai
• Dereyamanli Church
• Sarcophagus
• Özkonak Underground City
• Zelve Valley
• Pasha vineyard
• It is in the form of Pottery Workshops.

Places to Visit in Cappadocia

Many of the region’s architectures have their foundations laid during the Seljuk period, starting with the Saruhan Medrese as the first structure in Avanos. Subsequently, numerous structures were built, including the Alaaddin Mosque. In ancient times, the Turks in this region managed to preserve 50 to 60 historical houses with botanical and geometric decorations. The Historical Avanos houses are among the must-see places in the region.

One of the most notable houses in the area is the residence of Dr. Hacı Nuri Bey, located on Zafer Street. Built with the characteristic architecture of Cappadocian houses, this three-story house was previously used as a location for many TV series and films and later repurposed as an educational institution.

Among the Historical Avanos Houses are the Ahmet Benzer House on Ilyas Street in the Upper Quarter and the Tevfik Körükçü Mansion on Market Street in the same neighborhood, both of which can be visited today. The Tevfik Körükçü Mansion and the Ahmet Benzer House are both 2-story and courtyard-less structures.

The Hikmet Cingi House on Cerit Street in the Middle Quarter and the Mustafa Erdil house, located right next to the Alaaddin Bath, are also visited as part of the current Historical Avanos houses. The Hikmet Cingi House is one of the oldest in Avanos, featuring a well inside, setting it apart from other houses.
Places to Visit in Avanos

Belha Monastery, located in the village of Özkonak, is only 15 km away from Avanos. Founded by the first Christians fleeing from the Romans, this monastery includes separate educational sections for male and female students. Additionally, dungeons, a kitchen, an observation tower, a bath, and various other educational sections contribute to the structure of Belha Monastery.

Güllüdere church, one of the places to visit in Avanos, is located 2 km away from Çavuşin Village. Built on a steep slope, you can reach this church by following the left branch of Güllüdere valley. The history of this historic church, featuring figures of Jesus and the Gospel writers, dates back to very ancient times.

As you progress from Avanos towards Göreme, Çavuşin village on the left side, with its houses carved into the rocks, is another notable destination among the places to visit in Avanos. The Baptism church, Pigeon House Church, and Çavuşin church are must-see attractions in this village.

Çeç Tumulus, located approximately 15 km southwest of Avanos, has an average height of about 30 meters. In speculations surrounding this area, which continues to preserve its archaeological mystery, it is believed that the tumulus might belong to a Byzantine king.

Saruhan Caravanserai is located 4 km southeast of Avanos. Constructed in the year 1249, this building’s architecture features cut stones, and the colors of the stones include yellow, peach, and pink. Built as a single-story structure, the entrance gate of this building is particularly majestic. The caravanserai has an open upper part with rooms in the surrounding areas, and its courtyard is also worth seeing. Restored in 1991, Saruhan Caravanserai is among the places to visit in Avanos due to these distinctive features.

Dereyamanlı Church has managed to survive from very ancient times to the present day. This church, open to the worship of religious groups reaching the region, can be reached by heading 1 km west from Avanos.

Lahit mezar, coincidentally discovered in Avanos, is currently on display at the Kayseri Archaeology Museum. Unfortunately, the remains inside the tomb were stolen during its initial discovery. Research on this sarcophagus, found in 1971, suggests that it belonged to a woman with henna-dyed hair.

Özkonak Underground City, consisting of 4 levels and discovered in 1972, is believed to have been built in the 4th century BCE. This underground city, which efficiently met the housing needs of that era, actually incorporates many details found in contemporary architecture. Properly carved rooms, narrow tunnels connecting to spacious chambers, millstone doors, and small holes designed for defense over the stones have revealed the significance of that period. It should be noted that intricate channels designed to prevent enemies from seeing and channels serving as ventilation for long-term stays are also among the most important features of the Özkonak underground city.

You can easily reach here by private vehicle or municipal bus. Located just 13 km north of Avanos, Özkonak underground city offers the opportunity to see numerous mounds and caves.

Zelve Valley, located 3 km south of Avanos, encompasses many churches. Additionally, don’t forget that you can enjoy the view of the beautiful fairy chimneys in the region by hiking up to this valley. In the 9th century, Zelve Valley was an important religious center for christianity and was known as the place where priests first learned religious knowledge. The Üzümlü (Grapes), Geyikli (Deer), and Balıklı (Fish) Churches in this area are also must-see places.

Furthermore, until the population exchange in 1924, Greeks lived in the caves here. With the departure of the Greeks to Greece, Turks settled in the area. However, by 1952, considering the dangers posed by the rocks, the area was completely evacuated.

Paşabağı, also known as Monks Valley, is among the places to visit in Avanos. In this area, there are fairy chimneys with 2 and 3 heads, and right in the middle of the region, you can find conical shapes with cross sections. You can also see multi-bodied and multi-headed fairy chimneys in this area. You can visit the quarry excavations and small chambers in this region. Paşabağı, located 3 km south of Avanos, can be reached by a short walk

The Pottery Workshops, where you will witness the historical texture of Avanos, are located inside caves carved into the rocks. Visitors to this place can observe the process of shaping clay using foot-powered wheels and, at the same time, unleash their creativity.

Avanos Swinging Bridge – Suspension Bridge

The Swinging Bridge, which has become one of the symbols of Avanos, was constructed in 1973. It is approximately 200 meters long and, being made of wood, it does not allow vehicle passage. It is specifically designed for pedestrians to cross the Kızılırmak River on foot. Additionally, it holds the title of being the second longest suspension bridge in Turkey.

One reason for the popularity of Avanos’ Swinging Bridge is the long-standing tradition of making wishes. After making a wish and attaching a lock to the edges of the bridge, it is believed that the wishes come true when these locks fall into the river.

Pottery and ceramics are one of the most ideal gifts you can get in Avanos. In Avanos, where handmade ceramics and pottery have been produced for many years, there are pottery workshops where you can choose the products you want and even try making your own.

There are also cellars in Avanos where you can buy wine. You can taste wines produced from locally grown grapes. You have the option to purchase handmade wines for yourself and your loved ones.

Avanos is also rich in carpet and kilim weaving. Especially if you want to stay in an authentic hotel, you may come across handwoven materials on the floors and walls. You can also buy souvenirs from these products.

Where to Have Breakfast in Avanos?

Avanos offers numerous places where you can have breakfast. When deciding on a place, you may prefer establishments that use products made from locally grown plants and animals as much as possible. Moreover, while experiencing the flavors in Avanos, you can find many places that will satisfy your soul with their views. However, it’s worth noting that there are relatively few local flavors in the region.

Akhal-Teke Equestrian Center stands out as one of the most unique places for breakfast in Avanos. In this establishment dedicated to horse breeding, you can see the horses and even receive horseback riding lessons. Additionally, horse tours are organized. While your children enjoy nature and play, you can savor a breakfast prepared with entirely natural products. The open buffet breakfast offers a variety of rich options, and you can also place additional orders.

Fatıma’s Table is one of the small but charming establishments in Avanos. All products are handmade, and you can choose this place for either breakfast or lunch.

Kıyı Cafe is situated around the Kızılırmak River, offering a magnificent view. With the blend of green and blue, you won’t realize how time passes in this establishment. Moreover, the menu of the place is extremely rich.

Newmix Cafe successfully reflects the spirit of Cappadocia with its authentic atmosphere. It has a cave restaurant concept, and the wooden details inside create a perfect harmony with the cave.

Acr Panorama Restaurant is one of the places with a wonderful view that you can visit at any time of the day. Especially in spring and summer, you can choose the terrace of the venue. While satisfying your appetite with natural products, you can spend enjoyable moments with your loved ones and create lasting memories.

Where is Avanos Places to Visit Map

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