9km (5 2/3 miles) east of Nevsehir; 6km (3 3/4 miles) southwest of Göreme
The sleepy troglodyte village of Üçhisar, spread out at the base of the fortress, is a place where time altogether stands still. In the valley surrounding Üçhisar, the advancement of rock formation and erosion can be seen in all of its stages. Cresting above the valley are pink-and-yellow-hued sand dunes that when under closer scrutiny reveal rocky channels. Down below, perforating the rock face of Güvercinlik Vadisi, or Pigeon Valley, are the best examples of pigeon houses, painted white to attract the birds and their valuable guano. The fortress of Üçhisar is the highest peak in the region, drawing tourists to its summit for panoramic views of this fascinating landscape with Mount Erciyes in the distance.
Not surprisingly, the quiet landscape of Üçhisar has been discovered but it's still a far cry from the polish of Ürgüp or the bustle of Göreme. Visitors can still get a taste of the elusive and authentic Cappadocian village experience before Üçhisar succeeds in renovating itself beyond recognition. Hurry.
