Travel Point Overview

One of the lesser-known yet historically significant sites in Cappadocia, Sobessos Ancient City is located near Şahinefendi Village in Ürgüp, Nevşehir. Known for its rare Late Roman and Early Byzantine remains, Sobessos was discovered by chance in 2002 an

SOBESSOS ANCIENT CITY: THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF CAPPADOCIA 🏛️✨

One of the lesser-known yet historically significant sites in Cappadocia, Sobessos Ancient City is located near Şahinefendi Village in Ürgüp, Nevşehir. Known for its rare Late Roman and Early Byzantine remains, Sobessos was discovered by chance in 2002 and has since become a focal point for archaeologists and historians.

Throughout history, Sobessos played an important role as a Roman and Byzantine settlement. Excavations have uncovered mosaics, a Roman bath, a chapel, and tombs, revealing that the site once served as a bishopric center.

📢 Entrance to the site is free! You can explore Sobessos Ancient City without any admission fee and discover the hidden history of Cappadocia.

🕰️ HISTORY AND DISCOVERY OF SOBESSOS

📌 Discovered in 2002, Sobessos was initially thought to be the capital of the Kingdom of Cappadocia, but further research did not confirm this claim.

📌 Excavations conducted between 2002-2005 and 2010-2011 revealed that the city dates back to the 4th century AD and served as a bishopric center during the reign of Emperor Leo VI (886-912 AD).

📌 In 2023, excavation efforts resumed under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to uncover more of the city and restore existing structures.

🏛️ STRUCTURES DISCOVERED IN SOBESSOS

🟢 Mosaic-Floored Assembly Hall

✔ A 400 m² hall featuring 1,500-year-old mosaics made of colorful stone and glass tesserae.

✔ The mosaics display swastikas, crosses, meanders, eight-pointed stars, and braided patterns.

✔ This hall is believed to have served as a civic or administrative center in the city.

🟢 Roman Bath

✔ A Roman-era bathhouse with a unique linear plan.

✔ Several rooms arranged along the northern axis, suggesting a sophisticated design.

✔ The bath included hot, warm, and cold sections, indicating an advanced public bath system.

🟢 Chapel (Originally a Residential Structure)

✔ Initially built as a residence but later converted into a chapel in the 6th century.

✔ Several tombs have been discovered inside, confirming its religious significance.

🟢 Burial Chamber

✔ The discovery of a male skeleton wrapped in a burial shroud provides insights into how the city was abandoned.

🔍 RECENT EXCAVATIONS AND RESTORATION WORK

📌 After a long pause, archaeological excavations resumed in 2023 under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

📌 The goal is to unearth more hidden sections of the city and restore damaged structures.

📌 New discoveries are expected as archaeologists continue to explore the site.

📍 HOW TO GET TO SOBESSOS ANCIENT CITY?

🚗 By Private Vehicle: Sobessos is 23 km from Ürgüp town center. Visitors can drive or rent a car for easy access.

🚌 By Public Transport: Minibuses from Ürgüp to Şahinefendi Village are available.

✈️ By Air:

✈️ Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport (50 km)

✈️ Kayseri Erkilet Airport (90 km)

🚖 For shuttle services and private transfers, you can use the Advisormapp app.

🎟️ VISITOR INFORMATION

✅ Location: Şahinefendi Village, Ürgüp, Nevşehir

✅ Visiting Hours: 08:00 - 19:00 (Check with local sources for updated hours)

✅ Admission Fee: Free! No Museum Card required.

📌 WHY VISIT SOBESSOS?

✔ One of the rare Late Roman-Byzantine sites in Cappadocia, making it a unique archaeological destination.

✔ Mosaics and architectural remains provide valuable insights into the region’s religious and civic history.

✔ A hidden gem in Cappadocia, waiting to be explored by those interested in history and archaeology.

✔ Free admission makes it an even more attractive site for travelers and history enthusiasts.

📢 Entrance is free! You can visit Sobessos Ancient City at no cost and experience the hidden history of Cappadocia firsthand.

With its stunning mosaics, well-preserved ruins, and historical significance, Sobessos Ancient City is an essential stop for anyone interested in Cappadocia’s archaeological and cultural heritage. Add it to your travel list today! 🏛️✨

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