Recently the underground cities at Kaymakli Underground City and Derinkuyu Underground City near Nevşehir have been opened up for tourists. These also were early Christian centers and must have housed several thousand people in the eighth and ninth centuries. They extend downward in the earth for at least eight floors in a maze of tunnels and rooms and were easily defended by blocking the entrance with large rocks.
The sheer mechanics of organization, supply, and administration of such communities are staggering. A short, interesting description of life in such a place can be found in Xenephon’s Anabasis. In relating the retreat of the Greek army of Ten Thousand from Babylon to the Black Sea he describes a village in which they were entertained briefly in the winter:
“The houses here were underground, with a mouth like that of a well, but spacious below; and while entrances were tunnelled down for the beasts of burden, the human inhabitants descended by a ladder… It was here also that the village chief instructed them about wrapping small bags round the feet of their horses and beasts of burden when they were going through the snow; for without these bags the animals would sink in up to their bellies.”
Derinkuyu and Kaymakli,
This underground city was built by Christians in the early centuries after Christ to hide from invading forces. It is the most interesting place to visit and I would recommend it strongly. Probably not the best place to go if you are claustrophobic but amazing to think that people actually lived in these tunnels- there's even a church down there.
Very interesting and well worth a visit, though not as extensive as we had hoped. It is worth it to hire a guide when you get there (although they seem to be quite expensive), as there is almost no posted information.
This would be a better experience if there weren't so many other people wanting to see this amazing underground city of 8 levels at the same time as you!!! There is a sign outside saying it is not suitable for people with claustrophobia, heart conditions or asthma. But even if you are not suffering from any of these conditions, it…
Wow its a big underground city…55 m underground 7 floors down. It is amazing how the early christians tried to protect themselves from being killed due to their faith. They have left remarkable history in this area with the frescoes. just too many tourists coming in underground and at times the voices of your guides clash with each other. also,…
Its a UNESCO World Heritage Sight and worth to visit.Claustrophobic persons may have unpleasant experience.Obese people and very tall people have problems as tunnels are quite narrow n long to travel.
Unique experience
Dark and Mystic atmosphere
If u r claustrophobe, don't go there
When passing through Derinkuyu on your way to Goreme be sure to take a tour through the underground city that consists of carved out dwellings (some over seven levels). These underground dwellings were only discovered about thirty years ago and they are believed to date back to 2000BC. The city was able to support the towns folk and their animals…
Talk about different- exploring this cave city feels like going through a Disneyland attraction. It's hard to believe people (and animals, including horses) lived here. Best part is the many giant round 'doors' used to block off enemies– it looks straight out of Indiana Jones. Suggest you go earlyish to avoid being stuck 6 floors down in the earth with…
I could not believe in that people lived in that city for months in the old. they had tought everything without any technology but perfect. and I Recommend everyone.
I think that there must be a little. It of troglodyte in me, maybe it's the leprechaun in my past but this place fascinated me. The chambers and narrow stairways carved from the rock that seem to go down forever! Each level opens out into rooms and then there are other rooms off them. A place for baptizing the babies,…