Kaymaklı Underground City

Description

Kaymaklı Underground City, located in the Derinkuyu district of Nevşehir, is a multi-layered and complex ancient underground city used by Christians as safe living spaces.

Story

Kaymaklı Underground City, an impressive structure reaching us from the depths of history, is located in Kaymaklı village, part of the Derinkuyu district of Nevşehir, within the magical geography of Cappadocia. As one of dozens of underground settlements in the region, Kaymaklı was built and expanded, especially during the Byzantine period, by Christian communities to protect themselves from attacks. Although early traces dating back to the Hittites have been found, the city's current complex structure and functionality were developed as a refuge against Arab raids, particularly from the 7th century onwards. The city was designed to allow thousands of people to live for extended periods and, despite consisting of eight floors, only four floors are currently open to visitors. Kaymaklı's internal structure was planned to enable a fully functional life underground. Visitors wander through narrow corridors, low-ceilinged rooms, and sometimes spacious halls connected by tunnels. Each floor contains sections with different functions such as living areas, stables, kitchens, wine cellars, food storage rooms, churches, and ventilation shafts. The stables, in particular, offer large areas where animals could be brought underground and housed, while ovens and soot traces can still be seen in the kitchens. One of the city's most striking features is the large, round stone doors used to block passages during enemy attacks. These doors could be easily moved by a single person from the inside, while being almost impossible to open from the outside. The ventilation system was designed with excellent engineering, carrying fresh air even to the deepest points underground thanks to deep wells and air shafts. Visiting Kaymaklı means taking a journey into history and closely experiencing the living conditions, defense strategies, and social order of ancient people. As one progresses through the cool and dark tunnels, feeling the traces of the past offers a unique opportunity to understand the engineering marvel and human perseverance of this mysterious underground city. Today, Kaymaklı, safely explorable thanks to its restored and illuminated sections, is an important part of Cappadocia's rich cultural heritage and a must-see stop for every visitor to the region.

Visit Tips

• Visiting early in the morning or near closing time is ideal to avoid crowds
• It might be useful to bring a light cardigan or jacket as the air inside is cool
• Wear comfortable sports shoes to move easily in narrow and low passages
• Some areas might be challenging for those with claustrophobia or visiting with small children

Photos