Nevsehir is the capital of the Cappadocia region. The first settlements date back to 3000 B.C., when its oldest name was "Nyssa." The city also has some interesting remains from the Seljuk period, such as the castle, which stands at the highest point of the city. An impressive complex of buildings comprises the Kursunlu Mosque, which has a medresse dating back to 1726 surrounding it. The museum exhibits a rich display of local finds. Nearby Hacibektas is famous for its onyx souvenirs.
While visiting Nevsehir, travelers can explore one of the most interesting and spectacular landscapes in the world, the region of Cappadocia. Approximately three millions years ago the volcanoes of Mt. Erciyes and Mt. Hasan erupted violently, covering the surrounding plateau with lava. Wind, water and rain eroded this area into a breathtaking terrain of rock caves, capped pinnacles and ravines ranging in color from warm reds and golds to cool greens and grays.
The earliest people, dating back to 4000 B.C., once lived in dwellings dug out of rock in the Cappadocia region. When Christianity arrived, rock dug-outs also served as chapels, churches and monasteries. In order to hide from raiders, cities were developed underground at Derinkuyu, Mazi and Kaymakli. The underground city of Ozkonak is open to the public.
