Underground Cities to Visit in Cappadocia

Before we talk about Underground Cities to Visit in Cappadocia let’s explore little more about the Cappadocia and in our article you can find more informations about Cappadocia and Underground Cities to visit in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia, located in central Turkey, is renowned for its surreal landscapes, fairy chimneys, and ancient underground cities. These subterranean complexes are among the most fascinating and historically significant structures in the region. Built primarily for protection and shelter, the underground cities in Cappadocia showcase the ingenuity of ancient civilizations in utilizing the region’s unique geological features. Cappadocia is home to numerous underground cities, as the region frequently faced attacks in ancient times. The local population built these underground cities as shelters for protection. Similar underground cities cannot be found elsewhere, as these structures are uniquely suited to Cappadocia’s geological composition.

It is known that there are over 200 underground cities in Cappadocia, but not all of them have been discovered yet. It is estimated that the history of the some underground cities dates back to 3000 BC.

Famous Underground Cities in to Visit Cappadocia

Derinkuyu Underground City

Derinkuyu is one of the largest underground city in Underground Cities to Visit in Cappadocia. Built by Hittites and used for a long time with many other civilizations including the early Christians, this city reaches a depth of 85 meters. It was discovered accidentally in 1963 and opened to tourism in 1967. The name “Derinkuyu” (Deep Well) comes from the water wells, which are approximately 60-70 meters deep, that provided drinking water. The city is designed with various traps, and its entrance was concealed to remain unnoticed. It also includes living spaces where people could stay for extended periods. One of the highlights of Derinkuyu Underground city is the big main hall which has a connection to the Monastery and Winery in inside of the 2nd floor. Underground city’s most interesting part is the last tunnel which leads to the Church in 7th floor is a 30 meter tunnel with 2 stone doors to block the entrance.

It is estimated that Derinkuyu Underground City has 12 or 13 levels and aproximetly 5000 people can fit and live at the same time. Inside the city are ventilation shafts, food storage areas, monasteries, churches, wine cellars, toilets, meeting rooms, and water wells. Derinkuyu is the most famous among the underground cities in Cappadocia.

Kaymaklı Underground City

Kaymaklı Underground city is one of the most visited underground city among the  Underground Cities to Visit in Cappadocia. Built during the Hittite period, Kaymaklı Underground City has a history that dates back to 3000 BC which is incredible rich history, not only the hittites but also many other civilizations used this underground city in many different purposes. It consists of eight levels and features large rolling stone doors, stable, church, graveyards as well as wine cellars.

It is believed to have a capacity to house 5,000 people. The first level includes stables to meet the food needs of animals. On the second level, there are cemeteries, a church, and baptismal stones. The third level contains storage areas for flour and wheat, wine cellars, dining spaces, and wine production areas. The last level has a narrow tunnel, as well as a kitchen, tandoor, and storage areas. This underground city hosted civilizations such as the Hittites, Phrygians, and Assyrians.

Gaziemir Underground City

This underground city differs from others as it was built not for protection but for accommodation. Discovered in 2006, Gaziemir Underground City dates back to the Hittite period but was most intensively used during the Byzantine period.

Its structure is also unique, lacking the narrow and deep tunnels found in other underground cities. It features a watchtower and a spacious entrance. Inside, there is a large wine production area, as well as wine jars for storage.

It also includes two churches, hearths, baths, tandoors, kitchens, food storage areas, and rooms for resting.

Tatlarin Underground City

Tatlarin Underground City was discovered in 1975 and opened to visitors in 1991. It includes numerous churches, but unfortunately, many of them have collapsed. The entrance gate is also damaged, and the city can only be accessed through two different points on its western side.

Despite its large size, only two levels can be explored. Observations suggest that it resembles more of a monastery complex or military garrison than an underground settlement.

A section referred to as “the dungeon” contains three skeletons. Other features include a pantry, kitchen, toilets, and a Roman-era cemetery.

Özkonak Underground City

Although the exact date of construction is unknown, it is estimated to have been built around 400 BC. Özkonak Underground City was designed to preserve food and serve as a living space. According to archaeologists, it was a center for local principalities during the Hittite period. Later, it became part of the Persian and Hellenistic Roman Empire territories. The Temple of Zeus is also located here.

After the Roman era, early Christians sought refuge here to escape Byzantine persecution and Arab raids. Under the leadership of St. Basil, they carved the rocks to create their own city. That’s why you should add your Underground Cities to Visit in Cappadocia list the Özkonak Underground City.

Mazı Underground City

Dating back to the Hellenistic period, Mazı Underground City houses tombs and churches that are over 2,000 years old. It has served civilizations like the Phrygians, Lydians, and Byzantines. According to legend, the name “Mazı” is derived from the word “Mazata,” meaning “Ancient City.”

The city spans eight levels and has four different entrances.

The entrance level features stables, as livestock farming was the main livelihood of the estimated 6,000 residents.

Other areas include storage rooms, cellars, living spaces, and baths.

Why Underground Cities to Visit in Cappadocia Built?

Protection from Invaders is one of the most important reason for them to carve the underground city structures or Underground Cities to Visit in Cappadocia. Cappadocia frequently faced invasions from various empires and nomadic tribes throughout history. Underground cities served as safe havens for local populations during times of conflict. Hidden entrances, narrow passages, and trap mechanisms made these cities highly defensible. They also use the Underground Cities to visit in Cappadocia as a Religious Refuge, Early Christians used these underground cities to escape persecution during Roman and Byzantine periods. They converted sections into chapels and prayer rooms.

There is a huge difference of temperatures in Cappadocia for that the Adaptation to Climate is also a good reason to use the Underground Cities to Visit in Cappadocia because underground structures provided insulation, maintaining a stable and livable temperature year-round.

How Were The Underground Cities to visit in Cappadocia Built?

Underground Cities to Visit in Cappadocia built by Cappadocia’s soft volcanic tuff, formed from ancient lava flows, made it possible to carve these intricate underground networks. Despite the softness of the material, the structures have remained intact for centuries due to the region’s arid climate and the rock’s unique properties.

Today, Underground Cities to Visit in Cappadocia are a major tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the innovative and resilient lives of ancient civilizations. These cities reflect a blend of engineering mastery and survival instinct, making them one of Cappadocia’s most awe-inspiring features.

Whether you’re exploring the vast depths of Derinkuyu or the compact charm of Tatlarin, visiting these underground marvels is an unforgettable experience for any traveler.