Kaymaklı Underground City

The Cappadocia region is widely recognized for its rich history and natural beauty. With its many churches, chapels, monasteries, and underground cities, Cappadocia offers a wealth of historical treasures that captivate visitors. As you explore these wonders, you’ll find yourself increasingly eager to see more, making it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts. Among these incredible sites is the Kaymaklı Underground City, a marvel that showcases the ingenuity of ancient civilizations. There are a lot of questions about the Underground Cities in Cappadocia, for example Who Carved? How big the Kaymaklı Underground city? Why did they carved the underground cities? which civilizations lived in underground cities? Of course all of your questions has answers. First of all underground cities have hosted many civilizations such as: Hittites, Urartians, Frigians, Lidians, Persians, Romans, Ottomans and every civilization lived in Anatolia Cappadocia used the underground cities or expend the rooms and more. When we ask who carved the underground cities, it’s changing for every underground city because if it’s decided 2000-3000 B.C is a hittites period of cappadocia but for example 500 B.C is persian time, so according to the which age underground city is carved it can change.

What Is Underground City?

An underground city is carved for storage reasons in first place but essentially it’s a shelter built by ancient peoples to protect themselves from enemies. However, the underground cities in Cappadocia go beyond simple shelters. Many were designed not only for protection but also as living spaces where entire communities could thrive.

Kaymaklı Underground City is one such place, offering a glimpse into the remarkable architecture and ingenuity of its creators.

Where Is Kaymaklı Underground City?

Cappadocia is home to over 200 underground cities, though not all have been discovered yet. Kaymaklı Underground City takes its name from the town of Kaymaklı, where it is located. Situated along the Ihlara road, it is about 21 kilometers from Nevşehir.

This eight-level city includes wineries, narrow corridors, food storage rooms, churches, and numerous rolling stone doors. For those who have not yet visited, Kaymaklı Underground City deserves a top spot on your Cappadocia travel list.

How to Get to Kaymaklı Underground City

Kaymaklı Underground City is approximately 25 km from Göreme and 20 km from Nevşehir, making it easily accessible. Visitors can reach the city by private vehicle, following signs to Kaymaklı. Alternatively, buses departing from Nevşehir provide convenient access.

For a more engaging experience, consider joining a day tour with a guide. HTR Turkey Tours can help you organize a memorable visit to Kaymaklı and other underground cities.

History of Kaymaklı Underground City

Kaymaklı Underground City dates back approximately 3,000 years, hosting civilizations such as the Assyrians, Hittites, Phrygians, and more. During the Byzantine period, it became a critical defense site during wartime.

Some speculate that the advanced ventilation systems of Kaymaklı Underground City were so well-designed that they may have been constructed with extraterrestrial assistance—an idea often suggested for other ancient marvels like the Egyptian pyramids.

After the fall of the Hittites, the city was occupied by the Persians, followed by the Romans, who made Cappadocia a Roman province. By the 12th century, it had become part of the Seljuk Empire and later the Ottoman Empire, demonstrating its long-standing importance to various civilizations.

Architecture of Kaymaklı Underground City

Kaymaklı Underground City has eight levels in total, though only the first four are currently open to visitors. These levels alone are enough to leave visitors in awe.

First Level

The first level features a stable, with a rolling stone door on the left side leading to a church. On the right side of the corridor, carved rooms serve as living spaces.

Second Level

The second level houses another church, which has two apses and a single nave. A baptismal stone is located in front of the apses, along with platforms for seating. Graves are also found on this level, likely belonging to religious figures. Additionally, there are living spaces on this level.

Third Level

The third level is the most significant, containing kitchens, food storage rooms, and wineries.

Fourth Level

The fourth level also contains wineries, along with numerous storage areas filled with jars and containers. This suggests that the city’s inhabitants had a steady income and a well-organized lifestyle.

The remaining four levels have not yet been fully excavated and are not open to the public. However, the first four levels provide a stunning insight into the life and ingenuity of ancient civilizations.

Visiting Hours and Entrance Fees

Kaymaklı Underground City is open year-round.

• Summer (April 1 – October 31): 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:30 PM).
• Winter (November 1 – March 31): 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM).

The entrance fee of Kaymaklı Underground City for 2024 is €15.