Avanos, is a town and district of Nevşehir Province in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey, located 18 km north of Nevşehir, the capital city of the province. It is situated within the historic and touristic region of Cappadocia. According to 2000 census, population of the district is 35,145 of which 12,288 live in the town of Avanos.
The district covers an area of 994 km2 and the average elevation is 920 m with the highest point being Mt. İsmail Sivrisi at 1,756 m.
The old city of Avanos, whose name in ancient times was Venessa overlooks the longest river of Turkey, the Kızılırmak which also separates Avanos from the rest of Cappadocia.
The most famous historical feature of Avanos, which is still relevant and very visible today, is its production of earthenware pottery, it is also the most economic activity in the town. The ceramic trade in this district and its countless pottery factories date right back to the Hittites, and the ceramic clay from the red silt of the Kızılırmak has always been used.
View of the city center of Avanos. It is a popular destination because of its attractive old town with cobbled streets, and views over the river.
We got to see all the stages of the intricate pottery process including master potters decorating some of the pieces. At the end there was a shop and I noticed a person from the shop accopanied each couple or person but no hard sell or intrusion unless asked. Prices here for pieces we bought elsewhere were about the same though…
It's hard to believe that people used to live there. It's a great place to visit. Pictures are amazing. Worth going.
This place is very close to Goreme and there you can visit many pottery places and buy some beautiful pieces by a good price.
We were driven here by a 'helpful' local who probably got a commission whether we bought anything or not, who insisted that a visit to the carpet factory was better than what we had planned. Other locals have told us that the 'handmade' and 'co-operative' speel may not be the whole truth. Buyer beware.
Avanos is very different from Göreme or also from Nevsehir. It is a beautiful small town by the riverside. It is much less touristic than Göreme and much more relaxed and easygoing than Nevsehir. It is a good place to visit if you want to eat good food and maybe do some grocery shopping.
Yes, it sounds weird and creepy. Chez Galip is a pottery shop in Avanos that also houses the world's largest collection of women's hair clippings. Women give Galip clippings of their hair and leave a note with their names and addresses and those are displayed along the cave walls.
Fabulous vibrant weekly market with loads of beautiful local produce. A must visit for some valuable local atmosphere. Cheap fresh produce. Spices, veg, clothes, kitchen ware etc. A great travel experience. We had delicious gozleme and tea for a welcome snack. Highly recommend this outing.
The places to see are
an old pottery store.. they show you how they make pottery live.. while the people are making it.. you can also try.. I tried…
Another is a small walk beside red clay river.. it was romantic
if u have some extra time, you can visit.
You shouldn't leave from Cappadocia without seeing here. In addition you should have a museum card, the Museum of historical sites with the card you can enter free of charge. Museum Card costs $ 15 per person. There are teachers and Student discounts. All historical attractions and more than $ 25 per person will be charged in case of card-guided…
Do not miss this museum! Mr. Galip is an artist and a lover. His studio and museum are dream-like and inspiring. You will get first-hand knowledge and demonstration on the traditional method of pottery production in Avanos, and you can also purchase quality pieces here. You will enjoy hospitality in beautiful surroundings, and you can not only experience, but contribute…