Underground Cities in Turkey: A Practical Guide

If you love travel spots that feel like stepping into a movie set, Turkey’s underground cities are a must‑see. Carved into soft volcanic rock, these multi‑level tunnels were homes, hideouts, and churches for people who needed protection from invaders. You can wander through rooms, stairways, and ventilation shafts that stretch dozens of meters below ground – it’s weird, cool, and surprisingly comfortable.

Most visitors start in Cappadocia, the region famous for fairy‑tale rock formations. The two biggest underground sites, Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, get the most attention, but there are several smaller networks that are worth a peek if you have extra time. Each city has its own story, but they all share a few common features: stone doors that roll into place, deep wells for fresh water, and ventilation shafts that keep air moving even on the lowest levels.

History and Architecture

People first dug these caves in the early Christian era, around the 4th century AD. They needed safe places to worship when the Romans were still hunting believers. Over the centuries, invading armies like the Persians, Arabs, and Mongols forced locals to expand the tunnels even deeper. By the 12th century, some cities could hide up to 20,000 people for weeks.

Structurally, the underground cities are clever. Builders used a three‑step process: they cut a vertical shaft, then carved out horizontal rooms, and finally added stone doors that could be rolled into place to block enemies. The doors are heavy, but simple – they slide on tracks made of the same rock. Ventilation shafts double as wells, so residents never ran out of water or fresh air, even on the lowest floors.

Each level served a purpose. The first floors usually held stables and storage, the middle floors were family quarters, and the deepest levels housed chapels and communal spaces. Some cities also had wine presses, kitchens, and even schools. The design shows how people adapted to a harsh landscape while staying ready for sudden attacks.

Visiting Tips and Top Sites

When you plan a trip, start with Derinkuyu. It’s the deepest public site, reaching 60 meters underground. The tour takes about an hour, and you’ll see the massive stone doors, a church with frescoes, and a well that’s still usable. Bring a light jacket – it’s cool down there, even in summer.

Kaymakli is next on the list. It spreads over eight floors, though only four are open to visitors. The tunnels feel wider here, making it easier to move around with kids. Look for the stable area – you’ll recognize the stone troughs where animals once stood.

If you have extra time, check out Özkonak, about 30 km from Kaymakli. It’s smaller but has a unique “communication system”: holes in the walls let people send messages using sticks. This trick helped locals coordinate defenses without alerting enemies.

Practical advice: wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as the floors can be uneven and a bit slippery. A small flashlight helps, though most tours provide basic lighting. Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially in peak summer months. Finally, respect the sites – they’re still fragile, and many locals consider them part of their heritage.With a little preparation, exploring Turkey’s underground cities becomes an unforgettable adventure. You’ll walk through history, feel the cool stone under your feet, and see why these hidden worlds have survived for centuries. Ready to go underground?