Cappadocia's Underground Cities

Beneath the fairy chimneys, Cappadocia hides a second world — vast cities carved down into the soft rock, where whole communities once sheltered from invasion. Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı are the two you can visit; here is what they are, which to choose and how to see them.

What are the underground cities?

Cappadocia's soft volcanic tuff is easy to carve, so for thousands of years people dug not just up into the chimneys but down into the ground. The result is a network of multi-level underground cities — ventilation shafts, wells, stables, kitchens, wine presses, chapels and store-rooms, all linked by narrow tunnels and sealed with great rolling stone doors. They were probably first dug by the Phrygians around the 8th century BC and greatly expanded by early Christians, who used them to hide from raids during the Byzantine era. Several dozen are known; two are set up for visitors.

Derinkuyu — the deepest

The deepest excavated city, descending around 60 metres through eight accessible levels (more are thought to exist below). It could shelter thousands of people, along with their livestock and food, for months. The descent is steep and dramatic — past stables, a missionary school, churches and the heavy stone doors that sealed each level. More on Derinkuyu →

Kaymaklı — the widest

Lower but more sprawling, Kaymaklı spreads horizontally over four open levels around a central ventilation shaft. The tunnels are low and narrow, built around the wells and the communal kitchens and stables. It is generally an easier, less steep visit than Derinkuyu. More on Kaymaklı →

Which one should you visit?

• Derinkuyu for the deepest, most dramatic descent — the classic choice.
• Kaymaklı for a wider, lower, slightly easier visit (better if steep stairs are a concern).
• They are only about 10 km apart, so keen visitors do both in a morning.

How to visit

Both are about 30–40 km south of Göreme, near Nevşehir. The easiest way is a guided "Green Tour" day trip from Göreme, which usually combines an underground city with the Ihlara Valley and Selime Monastery. Independently, drive or take a bus via Nevşehir; tickets are sold at the entrance.

Tips before you go

• If you are claustrophobic, the tunnels are narrow and low — Kaymaklı is the gentler option, and you can turn back at any level.
• Bring a layer — it is cool underground year-round.
• Wear good shoes — the steps are steep, uneven and sometimes slippery.
• Tall visitors will need to stoop in the connecting tunnels.

Frequently asked questions

How deep is Derinkuyu?

Around 60 metres, over eight accessible levels — the deepest underground city open in Cappadocia. Lower levels are thought to exist but are not open to visitors.

How old are they?

The earliest tunnels may date to the Phrygians around the 8th century BC; early Christians greatly expanded them in the Byzantine era as refuges from raids.

Which is better, Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı?

Derinkuyu is deeper and more dramatic; Kaymaklı is wider and easier. If you can only do one, Derinkuyu is the classic; if stairs or tight spaces worry you, choose Kaymaklı.

Are they suitable if I am claustrophobic?

They are tight and low in places. Kaymaklı is gentler, and you can stop and turn back at any level — but very claustrophobic visitors may prefer to skip the lower floors.

How do I get there from Göreme?

About 30–40 km south. Most people take a guided Green Tour that includes an underground city plus the Ihlara Valley; independently, go via Nevşehir by car or bus.

Pair it with the Ihlara Valley walk, see all the ancient sites, or fit it into a 2–3 day itinerary.