cittaslow Central

GÜDÜL / ORTAHİSAR

Güdül

One of the smallest districts of Ankara Province, Güdül is about 90 km from the center of Ankara. Excavations in and around the city have exposed the region’s long history.

In the area that is traversed by the Kirmir, Süvari, and İlhan Rivers, the locals engage in agriculture and animal husbandry.

Güdül, a town which combines natural beauty and history, promises guests a calm and quiet ambiance.

Sorgun Pond, a few kilometers from Güdül, is surrounded by pine forests. Known for its beauty, the people of Ankara come here on weekends to escape the city's hustle and bustle. The mountains around the pond are the continuation of Bolu Mountains. Trout and carps live in the lake, and angling is permitted at certain times of the year. In 2011, the pond and its surroundings were declared a nature park (Sorgun Göleti Nature Park).

The historical İnönü Caves are just two kilometers from the city center. The caves were carved into the rocks along the Kirmir River, and life in them has been traced back to the 2000s BC. They were occupied by the Hittites, Phrygians, Romans, Byzantines, and Seljuks.

Ortahisar

The heart of Cappadocia, Ortahisar takes its name from the rock fortress rising at the center of the settlement. Used for centuries for observation and defense, this natural rock mass remains a powerful symbol shaping the town’s silhouette today. The rock-carved storage rooms, tunnels, and stone structures surrounding the fortress reflect Ortahisar’s long-standing connection with production and everyday life throughout history.

As you walk through the streets of Ortahisar, stone houses, arched passageways, and terraces opening onto the valleys accompany you. Rock-carved spaces, small squares, and scenic viewpoints tucked between neighborhood streets allow visitors to feel the town’s distinctive rhythm.

In 2026, Ortahisar was admitted to the International Cittaslow Network with a record score, drawing attention in Cappadocia with its “Slow City” identity. This title makes visible its commitment to preserving its natural fabric, sustaining local life culture, and prioritizing sustainable tourism.

With its views, historic texture, and atmosphere rooted in local life, Ortahisar adds a calm and authentic layer to the Cappadocia experience.