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,
What you will actually see is narrow stone tunnels and steps that go down the equivalent of about 5 stories. There are also 'rooms'–but nothing to actually see besdides more areas carved out of stone. The entrance fee, 15 TL per person is OK, but if you want to know what you are looking at, the 'guide' charges extra–he started…
Deinkuyu is the deepest underground city and is also quieter than the other ones. We had a guide (60 Lira for 4 people) and it really made a big difference, as we could really put into context why the city was dug the way it was, its functions etc. I think it's a must see if you're in the region.
This site was part of a package tour which lasted approximately seven hours. It’s a unique experience if you’ve never been underground. The place is pretty impressive considering that there’s still a lot of the city that isn’t accessible to tourists. It did get a little crowded with all the tourists funneling through the complex. The passageways are narrow and…
I loved this museum because I am not a history but and I still enjoyed it. The museum is not filled with historical descriptions that you feel obligated to read. This is however a downside for people who do love history. If you want the historical background of the city, I recommend either a tour or doing research online before…
When I was a teenager and I made a promise to myself that I would go there one day. And I finally made it this year June. It was pretty hot in the afternoon, with the temperature as high as 37C. Long ride from Love Valley before reaching Derinkuyu. There was a long queue of people waiting their turns as…
The underground cities are quite extraordinary in that they go down about seven levels under the earth. This is really worth a look.
Have never been into anything like this before… we went atleast 3 to 4 floors below the ground.. and there are still a lot more floors below… Itz really crazy how people built these during ancient times with just basic tools to work with.. If you are into video games,,, Assassins Creed Revelations can give you a glimpse of the…
We visited both Derinkuyu and Kaymakli. Though both are amazing places, Kaymakli is the best. Read our other review to find out why. Derinkuyu is probably easier to go to (or to go in). It's hard to believe that so many people lived there. Worth visiting, both places.
This is a must. Make sure you go with a tour guide, so that they can explain the life in this underground city. It is truly remarkable how people lived there and hid from prosecution. Very beautiful and interesting.
Went on this as part of a Rock Valley tour – it was a great stop! You get to see history unfold as you go down different levels (up to 8 floors down) with the youngest excavations at the top and Cappadocian Christian excavations deep down. It's really great to see what life may have been like in those times:…