How long does it take to walk through the Çavuşin ghost village?

A thorough exploration takes between 60 and 90 minutes. This allows for about 1.5 kilometers of walking and time to stop at the major churches and viewpoints.

Is it worth visiting Çavuşin compared to Göreme?

Yes, Çavuşin is definitely worth it as it offers a more rugged and less commercial experience than Göreme. The massive scale of the 'Castle' rock face and the 5th-century Church of St. John the Baptist are unique to this village.

Can I climb the Çavuşin Castle?

You can walk along the lower and middle sections of the castle, but many of the upper levels are restricted due to the risk of rockfalls. Always follow local signage and stay on marked paths for safety.

What is the best time for a self-guided walk in Çavuşin?

The best time is early morning (around 8:00 AM) to beat the heat and the tour buses, or two hours before sunset to see the Rose Valley glow from the village's elevated viewpoints.

Are there entrance fees for the churches in Çavuşin?

The Church of Nicephorus Phocas (Çavuşin Church) usually requires a ticket or the Turkish Museum Pass. Many of the other smaller ruins and the general village area are free to explore.

Is the Çavuşin walking route difficult?

The difficulty is moderate. While the distance is short, the terrain is uneven, dusty, and involves climbing steep rock-cut stairs, which requires a basic level of fitness and good shoes.

How do I get to Çavuşin from Göreme?

Çavuşin is only 4 kilometers from Göreme. You can take a local 'dolmuş' (minibus) heading toward Avanos, which stops in the village center every 20-30 minutes, or even walk the flat road in about 45 minutes.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 30 min

Duration

6

Stops

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Tour

Step back in time to explore one of Cappadocia’s most hauntingly beautiful sites on this self-guided walk through the ancient rock dwellings of Çavuşin. While many visitors flock to the crowded museums of Göreme, this neighborhood stroll offers a more intimate look at the region's layered history. You will navigate the remains of a village that was carved directly into the soft volcanic tuff centuries ago and inhabited until the mid-20th century. This route focuses on the dramatic 'Ghost Village,' a massive rock face honeycombed with abandoned homes, stables, and churches that tell a story of resilience and faith. As you begin your self-guided adventure, the scale of the Çavuşin Kalesi (the Castle) will immediately capture your attention. This isn't a traditional stone fortress but a vertical labyrinth of rooms stacked upon each other. The walk leads you through the winding paths of the old village, where you can observe the unique architecture that allowed locals to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. A major highlight is the Church of St. John the Baptist, one of the oldest and largest cave churches in Cappadocia, dating back to the 5th century. Its massive columns and weathered frescoes provide a silent testament to the area's Byzantine heritage. Further along this walking route, you will discover the 'Big Pigeon House' church, commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Nicephorus Phocas, which features some of the most vibrant religious art in the valley. The journey concludes by connecting the ancient stone-carving traditions to the living art of the region: pottery. By following this route, you experience the transition from the silent, wind-swept ruins of the upper village to the vibrant, creative pulse of modern Çavuşin. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a photography lover, this walking tour Cappadocia experience reveals the soul of the region away from the typical tourist trail.

Highlights

The towering 'Swiss cheese' rock face of Çavuşin Kalesi
The 5th-century Church of St. John the Baptist
Byzantine frescoes in the Church of Nicephorus Phocas
Panoramic views of the Red and Rose Valleys
Exploring the abandoned multi-level cave dwellings
Traditional pottery making demonstrations

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Çavuşin Cave House

Welcome to the start of your journey. These cave houses represent the traditional lifestyle that defined Cappadocia for millennia. Carved directly into the volcanic tuff, these dwellings provided natural insulation against the harsh Anatolian climate. As you look around, notice how the rooms were organized: often the ground floor served as a stable for animals, while the upper levels were reserved for the family. In the 1950s and 60s, many of these homes were evacuated due to erosion and rockfalls, creating the 'ghost' atmosphere you feel today. It is a perfect introduction to the architectural ingenuity of the local people.

2

Çavuşin Kalesi (The Castle)

Dominating the skyline is the Çavuşin Kalesi, often called the 'Great Rock' or 'The Castle.' This is not a castle in the European sense, but a massive natural rock formation that was hollowed out to create a vertical village. At its peak, hundreds of people lived within these walls. If you look closely at the facade, you can see the cross-sections of rooms exposed by erosion, looking like a giant dollhouse. This site suffered a major collapse in the mid-20th century, which led to the abandonment of the upper village. It remains one of the most photographed spots in the region for its dramatic, crumbling beauty.

3

St. John the Baptist Chapel

Hidden within the upper reaches of the cliff is the Church of St. John the Baptist. Dating back to the 5th century, it is one of the oldest and largest cave churches in Cappadocia. Unlike the smaller, more common chapels, this one features a grand three-nave basilica plan and massive rock-cut columns. Although the frescoes have faded significantly over the centuries, the sheer scale of the space is awe-inspiring. It served as a major pilgrimage site in the early Christian era. Take a moment to appreciate the acoustics and the cool air within these ancient walls, which have stood silent for over 1,500 years.

4

Old Çavuşin Village

As you wander through the winding paths of the old village center, you are walking through a landscape of transition. Here, the ruins of the past meet the life of the present. You'll see abandoned stone arches and doorways that lead into empty caverns, right next to small gardens still tended by locals. This area provides a sense of the daily rhythm of life before modern tourism. The village was once a hub for Greek and Turkish communities living side-by-side, and you can still find traces of this multicultural heritage in the decorative carvings on some of the remaining stone doorframes.

5

Çavuşin Church (Nicephorus Phocas Church)

Located slightly apart from the main cliff is the Çavuşin Church, also known as the Church of Nicephorus Phocas. Built around 964-965 AD, it was dedicated to the Byzantine Emperor who visited the region. The frescoes here are remarkably well-preserved compared to others in the area, featuring vivid depictions of biblical scenes and the Emperor himself. The artistry shows a high level of sophistication, indicating the importance of Çavuşin during the 10th century. The high ceilings and the barrel-vaulted architecture make this one of the most significant historical landmarks in the entire valley.

6

Pottery Workshop Experience

The final stop on our route brings us to the intersection of history and craftsmanship. While nearby Avanos is the most famous pottery center, Çavuşin has its own deep roots in this clay-working tradition. The red clay comes from the banks of the nearby Kizilirmak (Red River). Here, you can see how the techniques used by the Hittites thousands of years ago are still practiced today. The rhythmic spinning of the kick-wheel and the steady hands of the master potter turn the earth into functional art. It’s a fitting end to our walk, showing that while the stone houses may crumble, the culture of the people remains vibrant and creative.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best route begins at the base of the Çavuşin Castle, winds through the abandoned rock dwellings to the Church of St. John the Baptist, and concludes at the Nicephorus Phocas Church. This path covers the most significant historical and architectural sites in about 90 minutes.