Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Turkey / Ayvali / Gamirasu Cave Hotel
Gamirasu Cave Hotel
Ayvali, Nevsehir, Turkey · Independent · Core Luxury
Gamirasu occupies a restored Byzantine monastic retreat carved into Cappadocia's volcanic rock from around the tenth century: thirty-five cave rooms, some of them old priests' cells, and the only surviving eleventh-century Byzantine Orthodox church in the region. The dining hall was the monastery's kitchen; Ayvali village near Urgup has been inhabited for more than five thousand years.
- 35 rooms
- Opened 1999
About Gamirasu Cave Hotel
- It houses the only surviving 11th-century Byzantine Orthodox church in Cappadocia, carved into the volcanic rock.
- Some of the 35 cave rooms were once cells where priests retreated into seclusion; the dining hall was the monastery's kitchen.
- The area around Ayvali has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years.
History
Gamirasu Cave Hotel is situated in a meticulously restored thousand-year-old Byzantine monastic retreat that was in use from approximately the 10th century. The property features 35 unique cave rooms and houses the only surviving Byzantine Orthodox church in the Cappadocia region from the 11th century. Historically, the hotel's dining hall served as the monastery's kitchen, and some rooms were originally cells where priests retreated into seclusion.
The setting
7 km from dramatic landscape of Gomeda Vadisi. 15 km from rock-built Ortahisar Castle.
Experiences
- İçeridere Valley walk — A walking route of about 7 km through İçeridere Valley, starting at the hotel's doorstep, past cave houses, rock-carved storage and small natural springs.
- Views of Damsa Dam from Golgolu Hill — At the end of İçeridere Valley, Golgolu Hill offers views of Damsa Dam and its surroundings.
Amenities
- Heated open swimming pool with floor heating and Roman-inspired design
- Organic breakfast featuring local produce and freshly baked bread
- Free shuttle bus service to Urgup during daytime hours
- Byzantine-era Orthodox church located on-site for spiritual visits
- Traditional Turkish cookery courses and horse riding activities
- Complimentary Wi-Fi and 24-hour reception service
- Sauna
- Pet-friendly
Open Gamirasu Cave Hotel in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.