Underground cities of Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a legendary place in the world with its mysterious underground cities which are unique to this region. There are almost 150-200 underground cities just 36 of them have been discovered. Here are the 6 subterranean cities dating back to 3000 BC.

Underneath Cappadocia

Turkey's Cappadocia region is famous for its subterranean safe cities carved from soft tuff. These underground cities, which are among the most interesting cultural richness of Cappadocia, take tourists from all over the world on a mysterious journey every year.

The underground cities in Cappadocia, interconnected by corridors, were used as hiding places by Christians in the 7th century. These subterranean cities were self-sufficient cities with granaries, stables, rooms, kitchens and ventilation systems. The most famous underground cities uncovered until now around Cappadocia are found in Derinkuyu, Kaymakli, Tatlarin, Ozkonak, Mazi and Ozluce. Derinkuyu Underground City and Kaymakli Underground City were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.

Today, visiting these magnificent structures is one of the most splendid and attractive part of NATILLUS Cappadocia tours.
This is the list of 6 subterranean cities in Cappadocia dating back to 3000 BC.

Derinkuyu

Derinkuyu, one of the deepest, most extensive and amazing underground cities of Cappadocia, was discovered in 1966 during an excavation. This underground city has eight levels and lots of secret corridors. The floors include the churches, kitchens, places to tie up prisoners, sections for animals.

Kaymakli

Kaymakli, one the largest and most important underground cities in Cappadocia, has all the accommodation needed for a community to live underground. The multipurpose rooms and halls are connected to one another by narrow corridors. Today, just four levels are open to visitors.

Ozkonak

Ozkonak was opened to visitors in 1972. While visiting this underground city, you will feel as if you are in an apartment building. The labyrinthine tunnels and elements connecting the venues are like other underground cities.

Tatlarin

Tatlarin underground city, opened to visitors in 1991, looks like a military garrison or a monastery complex, with its supplies, churches and large spaces.

Mazi

Mazi underground city was discovered by a shepherd and opened to visitors in 1995. The meaning of Mazi is the Ancient City, and there are lots of Early Roman and Byzantine rock tombs in valley where the village was founded.

Ozluce

Unlike other underground cities of Cappadocia, Ozluce is a single store city, carved more largely and not completely cleaned.