Cappadocia Underground Cities are the unique areas of Cappadocia that should not be missed. The underground cities are carved from the soft volcanic stone that are connected with each other by narrow tunnels. There are more than 200 underground cities in the Cappadocia region. The Underground Cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu the most popular and visited ones.
It is believed that the underground city was built as a shelter that is not to be seen from above, for the Christian community to escape from the pressure of the Roman Empire and Arabs.
7 Fascinating Facts About Underground Cities in Cappadocia
- Hidden for Centuries – Many underground cities were completely forgotten until locals accidentally discovered them in modern times.
- Multi-Level Marvels – Derinkuyu, the deepest underground city, reaches 85 meters below ground with 8 floors open to visitors.
- Ancient Air Conditioning – Ingenious ventilation shafts kept fresh air circulating, making it possible for thousands to live underground for months.
- Built for Survival – These cities served as refuges against invaders, protecting early Christians and locals from Roman, Persian, and Arab forces.
- Massive Capacity – Derinkuyu could house up to 20,000 people, along with livestock, food stores, and churches.
- Secret Escape Routes – Narrow tunnels connected underground cities, allowing people to flee or communicate between different settlements.
- Unexplored Depths – Only a fraction of Cappadocia’s underground cities have been fully excavated, and many remain undiscovered beneath the region’s landscape.
Cappadocia’s Must See Underground Cities
Beneath the surface of Cappadocia lies a vast network of underground cities, carved from soft volcanic rock. These subterranean settlements were ingeniously designed to provide refuge for thousands of people during times of invasion and war.
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With 36 known underground cities, exploring these fascinating underground labyrinths is a must for any visitor to Cappadocia.
The largest and most impressive underground cities include Derinkuyu, Kaymaklı, and Mazi, each offering a unique glimpse into the region’s past.
Derinkuyu Underground City – The Deepest and Largest Underground City
Location: Derinkuyu Town (40 km from Göreme)
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
✔ The largest and deepest underground city in Cappadocia.
✔ Extends 85 meters below ground with 8 levels open to visitors.
✔ Could shelter up to 20,000 people along with their livestock.
✨ What to Expect?
Derinkuyu Underground City is the most well-known and historically significant underground city in Cappadocia. Discovered by accident when a local resident knocked down a wall in his home, this underground marvel has winding tunnels, vast chambers, and interconnected living spaces.
As you descend into its depths, you’ll discover:
✔ Stables, cellars, and kitchens where residents lived for months at a time.
✔ A massive ventilation system allowing fresh air to circulate underground.
✔ A missionary school and church on the second level.
✔ Giant rolling stone doors used to seal off tunnels for protection.
Tip: Be prepared for narrow passageways and low ceilings—if you’re claustrophobic, this might not be for you!
Read more about Derinkuyu Underground City
Kaymaklı Underground City – The Most Complex Underground City
Location: Kaymaklı Town (25 km from Göreme)
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Early morning before tour groups arrive.
✔ One of the oldest and most extensive underground cities in Cappadocia.
✔ Features 8 levels, with 4 open to the public.
✔ Known for its labyrinth-like layout and intricate tunnel systems.
✨ What to Expect?
Kaymaklı Underground City is smaller in size compared to Derinkuyu, but its layout is more complex, with a maze of narrow tunnels connecting different levels.
✔ Explore living quarters, kitchens, wine cellars, and storage rooms.
✔ See the ancient ventilation shafts that kept fresh air circulating underground.
✔ Visit the stone churches and chapels where secret religious ceremonies were held.
✔ Marvel at the large stone doors used to block off tunnels in case of attack.
Tip: Bring a flashlight! Some tunnels are dimly lit, and the passageways can be steep.
Read more about Kaymaklı Underground City
Mazi Underground City – The Hidden Gem
Location: Mazi Village (18 km from Ürgüp)
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for a quieter experience.
✔ A less crowded and off-the-beaten-path underground city.
✔ Features four entry points leading into the underground settlement.
✔ Offers a more intimate and mysterious experience compared to the larger underground cities.
✨ What to Expect?
Mazi Underground City is smaller than Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı, but it offers a fascinating and immersive experience without the crowds.
✔ Walk through narrow tunnels and hidden rooms carved into the volcanic rock.
✔ See stalls, kitchens, wine cellars, and communal living areas.
✔ Marvel at the ornate entrance door, a massive stone slab designed for protection.
✔ Discover ancient storage areas and winemaking facilities used by past inhabitants.
Tip: Since Mazi Underground City is less visited, you might get a more personal tour experience from the guides.
Video Tour
Statistics and Trends
Tourism & Popularity
- Over 2 million tourists visit Cappadocia annually, with nearly 40% exploring the underground cities, making them one of the region’s most visited attractions. (Source: Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism)
- Derinkuyu Underground City attracts over 500,000 visitors per year, making it the most-visited underground city in Cappadocia. (Source: Cappadocia Tourism Reports)
- Online searches for “Cappadocia underground cities” increased by 65% over the past five years, indicating a growing global interest in these ancient subterranean settlements. (Source: Google Trends, 2023)
- Guided tours of underground cities account for 60% of all organized Cappadocia tours, with travelers opting for historical insights and easier navigation. (Source: Cappadocia Tour Operators’ Association, 2023)
Historical & Architectural Insights
- Cappadocia has 36 discovered underground cities, but experts estimate that over 100 remain undiscovered beneath the region’s soft volcanic rock. (Source: Turkish Archeological Society)
- The largest underground city, Derinkuyu, spans over 4 km² and could accommodate 20,000 people, complete with stables, kitchens, churches, and ventilation shafts. (Source: UNESCO World Heritage List)
- Derinkuyu’s ventilation system is so advanced that it allowed fresh air to reach the deepest levels, proving the engineering brilliance of ancient civilizations. (Source: Turkish Ministry of Culture & Tourism)
- Kaymaklı Underground City has 8 levels, but only 4 are open to the public due to preservation efforts and structural stability concerns. (Source: Cappadocia Preservation Society, 2023)
Visitor Experience & Travel Trends
- More than 70% of international visitors to Cappadocia book a combined tour of underground cities and Göreme Open-Air Museum, reflecting the demand for historical experiences. (Source: Turkish Tourism Board, 2023)
- The most common nationalities visiting Cappadocia’s underground cities are travelers from Germany (15%), USA (12%), UK (10%), Russia (9%), and China (8%), showing its widespread appeal. (Source: Turkish Tourism Board, 2023)
How to Best Explore the Underground Cities in Cappadocia
The Green Tour
The Green Tour is a bit more off the beaten path and covers attractions that are less visited by tourists. It is a full-day tour and starts at 9 am and ends at 5 pm.
The tour covers places such as Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, and the Pigeon Valley. This tour is ideal for those who want to explore the less crowded and more natural parts of Cappadocia.
Good for
The Cappadocia Green Tour is an excellent choice for those who want to experience the best of Cappadocia’s natural and historical sites in a single day. Below are s