Nigde

Introduction

Located in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey, Niğde serves as the seat of both the Niğde Province and the Niğde District. You will find this city situated at a high elevation within the heart of the Anatolian landscape.

Before you go

Prepare for a journey through a landscape shaped by millennia of history, from ancient mining and agriculture to its past as a Hittite town. You will encounter layers of civilization in the local architecture, including remnants of churches from the Armenian and Greek communities that lived here before the First World War. The city’s character evolved significantly through the Seljuk era and subsequent Ottoman reconstruction.

Pack for varying conditions based on the high elevation. While you can expect a hot, dry summer typical of the interior Mediterranean, be prepared for cold and snowy winters.

Getting there

You can reach the city by train via the Erciyes Ekspresi, which travels from Kayseri and continues south toward Adana. The railway station is located on the east side of the castle and the city center.

Alternatively, you can travel by bus from several locations:

• Buses from Istanbul run regularly and pass through Gebze, Izmit, Adapazari, and Ankara before continuing to Adana.
• Buses from Kayseri provide a quicker connection to the city.

Getting around

You can navigate the local area using a dolmuş, which provides regular transportation to Bor. For broader travel across the region, the Erciyes Ekspresi serves as an option for reaching destinations such as Bor, Kemerhisar, and Ulukışla.

Local transport operates from the old bus station, known as Niğde Otogarı.

Where to stay

You can find a variety of accommodations ranging from central business hotels to more modest options nearby. For a stay in the heart of the city, you might choose a mid-range business hotel or a simple, clean alternative located just a short walk away. Other basic but adequate small hotels provide convenient options for those seeking straightforward accommodations.

If you prefer a friendly atmosphere with good value, certain locations offer welcoming stays. For those traveling by car, a smart and modern hotel situated slightly west of the center provides a convenient base.

Food & drink

You can find a variety of dining options along the main street, where several establishments offer local flavors. These include Kösebasi, Damak Lahmacun, Melisa döner and pastry shop, Safahat Cafe, Pala, Lavas Center, Sofram, and Hanedan.

Finding beer can be difficult as few cafes serve it, though you might try Nizam Izgara located near the castle clocktower. You can also sample geothermal mineral water sourced from the mountains; while some versions are marketed with claims of therapeutic properties, it is essentially just overpriced Epsom Salts.

What to see and do

Explore the historic heart of Niğde where you can visit the Niğde Castle, a Byzantine-era structure crowning the hill of an ancient citadel featuring a prominent clocktower. Nearby, you can admire the Seljuk-era Alâeddin Mosque with its magnificently carved eastern gate and the Sungur Bey Mosque. A short walk leads you to the Prodromos Church and the elegant Şerifali Tomb. For those interested in history, the Archaeology Museum houses prehistoric materials including a Hittite stele of the weather god Tarhunzas, while the Ak Medrese offers an impressive exterior for viewing. You can also visit the richly carved Hudavent Hatun Tomb, considered one of the finest Seljuk mausoleums in the city.

Travel beyond the city center to discover unique sites and landscapes. Visit Gümüşler Monastery, a settlement and church carved into soft rock featuring ancient frescoes, or head toward Kemerhisar to see a long Roman aqueduct and a large reservoir tank. In nearby villages like Gökbez, you can find an ancient relief of Tarhunzas on a large fragment of rock. If you prefer active pursuits, the Aladağlar National Park provides a destination for mountaineering, rock climbing, and hiking.

Three days in Nigde

Day one, you can begin your journey by exploring the historical layers of the region. You can immerse yourself in the heritage of the Hittite, Armenian, Greek, Seljuk, and Ottoman eras that have shaped the landscape of Niğde.

Day two, you can travel through the local surroundings to experience the character of Central Anatolia. You can explore the area while taking in the atmosphere of the province.

Day three, you can enjoy a local specialty by trying Damak Lahmacun before preparing for your departure from the district.