Derinkuyu Underground City

"The discovery of the underground city in Derinkuyu in 1963 marked an incredible revelation about the region's history and architecture. While attempting to renovate his home, a resident stumbled upon a tunnel hidden behind a wall in his basement, which led to an extensive subterranean network of halls and chambers. This underground city, which is estimated to be capable of housing around 20,000 people, descends up to 18 stories deep and reaches 280 feet (76 meters). The origins and purpose of this remarkable structure remain partially shrouded in mystery, sparking intrigue among historians and archaeologists. Speculations about the construction date of Derinkuyu range from as early as 2000 B.C., potentially attributed to the Hittites or the Phrygians, to later developments by early Christians in the first centuries A.D. Regardless of its builders, the engineering prowess displayed in the complex is noteworthy; despite the inherent risks of tunneling into soft rock, the structure has remained stable without any recorded collapses. Scholars agree that the primary function of this vast underground city was as a refuge from enemy forces, as evidenced by features like heavy stone doors that could seal off the city from the inside. The final modifications, influenced by Christian designs, are believed to have occurred between the 6th and 10th centuries A.D. The city was ingeniously ventilated through over 15,000 shafts, ensuring a constant airflow even at lower levels. The upper levels served as living quarters, while the lower sections were primarily storage areas, which included a dungeon and various communal spaces such as a wine press, animal pens, and small churches. The most renowned of these is a cruciform church located on the seventh level. Interestingly, local residents used the city’s water shafts without realizing the hidden world beneath their feet. In addition to serving as a refuge during conflicts, Derinkuyu may have also acted as a temperate retreat, helping residents endure the region's harsh climate by providing stable underground conditions."

"Cappadocia's underground cities were first dug out of the ground during the Bronze Age Hittite era, but they are most famous for their early Byzantine history (6th and 7th centuries) when Christians in the region began living underground for long periods to escape Arab and Persian invaders. The Derinkuyu Underground City is Cappadocia's deepest underground shelter. The tunnels here are quite claustrophobic in places as they travel deeper and deeper into the earth. This underground labyrinth contains a cavernous chapel area, and numerous living and storage areas. Also seen is the ingenious system of ventilation shafts used by the Derinkuyu residents. The underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı are close enough to each other that you can see both on a day trip, but if you only want to see one, Kaymakli is less popular with tourists, so you'll likely be able to explore the tunnels here. undisturbed by crowds. 💶 Paid admission ⭐️ Traveling through the underground labyrinth tunnels is a really interesting experience, but those with claustrophobia should be aware that some of the tunnels are very narrow."

"Derinkuyu Underground City is one of the most impressive subterranean complexes in Cappadocia, Turkey. Carved into the soft volcanic rock beneath the surface, this ancient city spans multiple levels, descending as deep as 85 meters (280 feet) underground. Believed to have been built by the Phrygians in the 8th-7th centuries BCE and later expanded by early Christians, Derinkuyu served as a massive refuge and defensive stronghold during times of invasion and persecution. The city features a network of narrow tunnels, ventilation shafts, living quarters, chapels, storage rooms, and communal areas, providing a fascinating insight into the daily life and survival strategies of its inhabitants. Today, visitors can explore the underground passages and marvel at the ingenuity and craftsmanship of this remarkable ancient marvel, making a visit to Derinkuyu Underground City an unforgettable experience in Cappadocia's history and culture. Open every day. Opening hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm Ticket fee: $10"