Ortahisar Selected as a Cittaslow Town | What Does “Slow City” Mean?

Located in the heart of Cappadocia, Ortahisar is now gaining attention not only for its iconic rock castle and stone houses but also for being recognized as a Cittaslow (Slow City).

But what does Slow City mean? Who grants this title? And why was Ortahisar selected?

Here is everything you need to know.

What Is a Cittaslow (Slow City)?

Cittaslow is an international network of towns founded in Italy in 1999. The movement promotes:

• A slower and higher-quality lifestyle
• Protection of local culture and traditions
• Support for small-scale local production
• Environmental sustainability
• Responsible and sustainable tourism

Being a “Slow City” does not mean being underdeveloped. Instead, it means choosing controlled, sustainable, and community-focused growth.

Who Grants the Cittaslow Title?

The title is awarded by the Cittaslow International Association, headquartered in Italy.

To qualify, a town must:

• Have a population under 50,000
• Meet strict criteria in environmental policy, infrastructure, hospitality, local economy, and cultural heritage
• Pass a detailed evaluation and scoring process

The application includes technical reports, inspections, and international review.

Why Was Ortahisar Selected?

Ortahisar meets many of the core Cittaslow principles:

🏰 Preserved Historical Architecture

The famous Ortahisar Castle, stone houses, and narrow streets maintain authentic Cappadocian character.

🌿 Natural Environment

Despite being close to major tourist attractions, Ortahisar has preserved its peaceful atmosphere and natural landscape.

🍇 Local Gastronomy & Wine Culture

• Traditional Cappadocian cuisine
• Local bakeries
• Vineyards and regional wine production

🏡 Boutique-Scale Tourism

Instead of mass tourism and large hotel chains, Ortahisar is known for boutique cave hotels and family-run businesses.

What Does This Mean for Tourism?

Ortahisar’s Slow City status sends a strong message to travelers:

✔️ Authentic local experiences
✔️ Fewer crowds
✔️ Sustainable tourism
✔️ Cultural preservation
✔️ Support for local businesses

Modern travelers increasingly seek meaningful and immersive experiences rather than rushed sightseeing. Ortahisar offers exactly that.

What to Do in Ortahisar?

To truly experience the Slow City spirit:

• Climb Ortahisar Castle for panoramic views
• Stay in a traditional cave or stone hotel
• Visit local wine houses
• Enjoy sunset walks in nearby valleys
• Shop from local artisans

Time feels different here — slower, calmer, more intentional.

Explore Ortahisar Smartly with Advisormapp

While embracing the Slow City lifestyle, smart planning enhances your trip.

With Advisormapp, you can access:

🗺️ Navigation and directions in Cappadocia
🎧 Multilingual audio guides
🍷 Wine house and restaurant recommendations
🏨 Boutique hotel suggestions
🚕 Taxi and transfer services
🎈 Hot air balloon and activity bookings

Experience Cappadocia slowly — but plan efficiently.

Final Thoughts

Ortahisar’s recognition as a Cittaslow town marks an important step for sustainable tourism in Cappadocia.

It proves that the region is committed to:

• Protecting its cultural identity
• Encouraging responsible tourism
• Improving quality of life

For visitors in 2026 and beyond, Ortahisar is no longer just a stop in Cappadocia — it is a destination that offers a lifestyle experience.