Underground Cities★★★
Beneath the surface of Cappadocia lies a wonder: over 200 underground cities, carved into the soft tuff stone, capable of housing thousands of people. The oldest parts date back to the 7th/8th century BC (Hittites or Phrygians), later expansions served as refuges for Christians from Arab raids in the 6th–10th century.
Derinkuyu
The largest and deepest underground city — 85 meters deep, 8 floors, capacity for an estimated 20,000 people. Everything was available: church, school, wine cellar, oil press, wells, ventilation shafts, and massive round stone doors that could seal off individual floors. A tunnel is said to connect Derinkuyu with the 9 km distant city of Kaymaklı. The narrowness (some passages only 1.70 m high) is not for claustrophobics, but the engineering marvel is impressive.
Kaymaklı
The second-largest underground city — less deep than Derinkuyu (4 accessible floors), but wider and less claustrophobic. Particularly impressive: the wine cellars and grain storage, suggesting a highly organized society.
Özkonak
Less visited than Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı — a hidden gem for those who want to experience the underground cities without crowds. Unique: communication tubes between floors and holes in the ceilings through which hot oil could be poured on intruders.
💡 Tipp
Choose ONE underground city: Derinkuyu for the deepest and most impressive, Kaymaklı for the more pleasant visit, Özkonak for fewer tourists. Derinkuyu is a must, but it can be extremely crowded in high season (from 11 AM). Arrive early in the morning. Wear light clothing — it's cool underground, but in the narrow passages, you sweat quickly.