Sobesos Antik Kenti

Sobesos, an ancient city in Şahinefendi Village, 23 km from Ürgüp. After some ruins around the village were accidentally noticed and examined, it was understood that there was an ancient city here and excavation work was started by the Nevşehir Museum Directorate in 2002.

It was founded at the beginning of the Soğanlı Valley, on volcanic terrain, in a strategically safe location and on fertile soils. Although it was initially thought to be the capital of the Cappadocia kingdom, this claim was abandoned because no evidence could be obtained to prove it.

In the excavations carried out between 2002 and 2005, the following remains dated to the 4th century AD came to light:

Mausoleum: It was found with a male corpse buried together with a shroud.

Bath

Chapel: dated to the 6th century. It is thought that it was first used as a residence and later began to be used as a chapel and that it was built by one of the powerful aristocrats of Cappadocia.

Among the artifacts uncovered in the excavations, the 1500-year-old floor mosaics are very striking. These mosaics contain swastika, cross, meander eight-pointed star, and braid motifs. They were crafted with colored stone and glass, processed with masterful workmanship.