Underground cities in Cappadocia

Welcome to the mysterious world of Cappadocia’s underground cities!

Derinkuyu and Kaymakly: Ancient labyrinths underground

Cappadocia, located in the heart of Turkey, is known not only for its unique natural landscapes and fantastic landscapes of volcanic tuff, but also incredible underground cities that amaze with their scale and history. The two most famous of them are Derinkuyu and Kaymakli.

DerkyuIt is the largest underground city discovered in Cappadocia. The tunnel and room system extends 60 meters deep and consists of 18 levels, of which 8 are accessible to visitors. This city was able to accommodate up to 20,000 people along with their livestock and food supplies. The architecture of the city includes living quarters, kitchens, wineries, warehouses, wells, schools and even churches. Surprisingly, these structures were carved into soft volcanic tuff, making them relatively stable and safe.

Kaymakli - no less impressive underground city, located just 20 kilometers from Derinkuyu. It has 8 levels and four of them are open to tourists. Unlike Derinkuyu, Kaymakli is more branched and has less depth. Here you can also see living quarters, kitchens, storage facilities and numerous ventilation shafts that provide access to fresh air into the deep layers.

History and Purpose

The history of the underground cities of Cappadocia is shrouded in mystery. It is believed that the first levels of these cities could be built by the Hittites in the VIII-VII centuries BC, and later expanded by the Phrygians and other peoples. The main purpose of these underground shelters is protection from enemy attacks and harsh climatic conditions. Residents could live underground for months without leaving their shelters.

Interesting Facts

Derinkuyu and Kaymakli are just two of more than 200 underground cities found in Cappadocia.

- Construction: The entire construction process was carried out manually, without the use of modern tools.

- There is a theory that many underground cities may have been connected by long tunnels, although this has not yet been fully confirmed.

Guide for Tourists

A visit to the underground cities of Cappadocia is a unique experience that will take you back centuries and show how people lived and defended themselves against the threats of the past. It is recommended to visit these places with a guide to better understand the historical and cultural context. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes and clothes with you, as walking through narrow and low tunnels can be quite tedious.

The underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli are waiting for you to reveal their secrets and give unforgettable impressions of immersion in the depths of history and architectural genius of ancient civilizations.