Kayseri is the most Islamic city in Turkey after Konya. It's also an economic powerhouse, yet most tourists pass through here without fully appreciating the attractions this destination has to offer. Yet, those who take the time to visit the city and its surrounding area find that that there's no shortage of things to see and do during their stay. The best way to explore the area is to arrange car rental in Kayseri. This will allow you to get out and explore the Cappadocian villages which surround the city centre as well as the many Ottoman monuments which litter this area.
If you arrange car rental in Kayseri you can head out to the former volcano and imposing mountain of Erciyes. This resort area is now used for winter sports and skiing in the cold months and for climbing in the summer. Whether you want to try your hand at some activities or just enjoy the natural splendour, you'll love a visit here.
Another popular sight for tourists in the city centre is the Hisar, or citadel. This was constructed during the 500s by Justinian, the Byzantine Emperor. This fortress is the majority of what remains of the once-formidable defenses that the city used to boast in its heyday.
The Majperi Hunat Hatun Mosque Complex is another interesting sight for visitors to the city. Constructed in the 13th century by Empress Mahperi Hunat, the extensive complex doesn't just include the cami or great mosque, but also the Empress' own octagonal tomb which is sometimes known as the Revolving Tomb due to its unique shape. There is also a theological school and a hammam.
Anyone travelling by car through the Kayseri region should certainly take the time to see the Cappadocian villages that lie outside the city. There are over 30 underground cities in Cappadocia, with some being 8 or 9 storeys deep. Originally created by the Hittites, these underground spots were then used by early Christians as a place of refuge when the Arabs invaded during the 7th century. The Goreme open air museum is one of the most interesting sites to discover. With its scary ladders and dark tunnels, this village was abandoned back in the 1950s and is a wonderful place to take children.
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