Gülşehir: West of the Kızılırmak
Gülşehir spreads west of the capital, along the Kızılırmak valley and open countryside.
Stretching out west of Nevşehir, Gülşehir is a quiet district that hides remarkable historical treasures. It is home to the Açıksaray (Open Palace) ruins, an impressive complex of rock-cut dwellings and monasteries, as well as the distinctive Mantar Kaya (Mushroom Rock). Art and history enthusiasts must visit the St. Jean Church (Karşı Kilise), famous for its vibrant, meticulously restored frescoes spanning two floors of a rock-carved structure.