Nar: Valley, rock-cut architecture and Ottoman heritage

Nar brings together two distinct themes for trip planning: the seasonally changing Nar Valley and local architecture that connects rock-cut spaces with houses. It is also home to Ottoman-era mosques and historic water infrastructure. The Nar Valley is among the valley visitor sites listed by the Kapadokya Alan Başkanlığı.

The valley and its seasonal nature

Eleagnus, Salix, Populus and Prunus grow densely in the Nar Valley. The area around Kadirah Waterfall is also lush with vegetation. The waterfall is fed by meltwater from snow, and its flow is seasonal. The vegetation in the valley and around the waterfall is also seasonal, so water levels and plant life vary throughout the year.

South of Nar and north of Nevşehir, there is also a valley formed by the Karaağaç Stream. It is another landscape feature in the area around the town and should be distinguished from the description of the Nar Valley.

Architecture and history in Nar

The locally distinctive architecture connects rock-cut spaces with houses. Nar is designated an urban conservation area and lies within the jurisdiction of the Kapadokya Alan Başkanlığı. Nar Kasabası Ulu Câmii and Hasan Efendi Câmii are Ottoman mosques in Nar that reflect the town’s architectural history.

The infrastructure beneath the settlement is also part of the town’s history: in certain places within Nar’s settled area, there is an ancient underground water channel with water points, washhouses and wells. The old Bezirhane in Nar is a good example of a local ecotourism resource.

North of Nar are Ören Church and Akça Church. Both are Byzantine churches, and their frescoes depict Christian themes. Together with the mosques in town, they offer a view of different religious buildings in the nearby area.

The wider destination of Nevşehir

The Merkez İlçe is located in the Cappadocia region, within the wider destination of Nevşehir. The Göreme Open-Air Museum has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a natural and cultural heritage site since December 6, 1985. Karanlık Kilise is in the Göreme Valley, within a monastery complex that is part of the museum.

Karanlık Kilise dates from the late 11th or early 12th century. It received very little light through a small window in the narthex, helping preserve the vivid colors of its frescoes. The frescoes depict scenes from the life of Jesus as well as images of saints.

Güvercinlik Valley is another example of the region’s landscapes in Nevşehir. It stretches for four kilometers from Uçhisar to Göreme. It takes its name from the dovecotes carved into the rocks.

Getting there and choosing a hotel

The main access routes to Nar include four turnoffs from the D300; check road conditions before setting out. Check road conditions before setting out.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: İbrahimpaşa Köyü, Göreme, Ürgüp, Çavuşin, Kozaklı, Avanos, Tuzköyü Belediyesi, Gülşehir.

Go to the wider travel overview: Nevşehir.