Old Çavuşin Village

Old Çavuşin Village reflects centuries of settlement shaped by Cappadocia’s soft volcanic rock. During the Byzantine period, its rock-carved dwellings and religious structures formed part of an established Christian community. Later generations continued to use the caves as homes, storage areas, and dovecotes. In the 1960s, increasing rockfall hazards led to the relocation of residents from the historic cliffside settlement to safer areas nearby. Its surviving structures preserve valuable traces of the region’s social and architectural history.

Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes, as the paths around the old village can be steep, rocky, and uneven. Explore the accessible viewpoints to admire the abandoned cave houses and surrounding valleys, especially in the soft morning or late-afternoon light. Avoid entering unstable structures or climbing restricted sections, as rockfall remains a safety concern. Combine your visit with the nearby Church of St. John the Baptist for a deeper look into Çavuşin’s history.