🏛️ How Many Underground Cities Are in Cappadocia?
Explore Over 200 Hidden Cities Beneath the Surface of Turkey’s Most Mysterious Region
Cappadocia is world-famous for its surreal landscapes and hot air balloons — but there’s a lesser-known world hiding beneath its iconic fairy chimneys: underground cities.
So, how many underground cities are there in Cappadocia?
📌 More than 200 underground cities have been discovered so far, each with its own history, architecture, and secrets waiting to be explored.
1. The Most Famous Underground Cities: Derinkuyu & Kaymaklı
🌀 Derinkuyu is the largest and deepest underground city in Cappadocia. Descending around 60 meters (200 feet), it has up to 18 levels, with only a portion open to visitors. It could shelter 20,000 people, livestock, food, and even had:
- Ventilation shafts
- Stables and kitchens
- Wells, a school, and a church
🌀 Kaymaklı is smaller but equally fascinating. It has a network of narrow tunnels and around 8 levels, providing insight into how ancient civilizations lived underground for protection and survival.
These two sites are the most accessible and offer guided tours for those wanting a deep dive into Cappadocia’s hidden history.
2. Why Are There So Many Underground Cities?
The answer lies in Cappadocia’s soft volcanic rock, called tuff, which made it easy for ancient people to carve homes and shelters. Because the region was along major trade routes and prone to invasion, locals built subterranean cities as safe havens.
In particular, early Christians used these underground cities as sanctuaries during times of persecution, especially during the Roman and Byzantine periods.
3. Other Remarkable Underground Cities
Aside from Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı, Cappadocia is home to many lesser-known but equally intriguing sites:
- 🛡️ Özkonak (near Avanos): Features defensive holes used to pour hot oil on invaders.
- 🐴 Mazı (near Ürgüp): More rustic and authentic, with stables and communal areas.
- 🕍 Tatlarin (near Nevşehir): Known for large rooms and religious gatherings.
Each of these cities reflects the different needs and lifestyles of their original inhabitants.
4. How Were These Cities Built?
Cappadocia’s underground cities were ingeniously designed. Tunnels could be sealed from the inside using rolling stone doors, making them impossible to penetrate from the outside. These cities included:
- Natural ventilation systems
- Underground wells
- Multi-room living quarters
- Emergency escape routes
People could remain underground for weeks — even months — when necessary.
5. Are There Still Undiscovered Underground Cities?
Yes! Experts believe that while over 200 have already been uncovered, many more remain hidden below the surface. In fact, new chambers and tunnels are sometimes discovered during construction or renovation projects in the region.
6. Visiting Underground Cities in Cappadocia
If you’re planning a trip to Cappadocia, visiting an underground city is a must-do experience.
- 🔹 Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı are perfect for first-time visitors.
- 🔹 Both offer safe walkways, ventilation, and guided or self-guided tours.
- 🔹 Using the Advisormapp app, you can access multilingual audio guides, detailed directions, and local insights to enhance your visit.
The app helps you navigate underground cities while learning about their history, architecture, and cultural significance.
🗝️ Why Underground Cities Are Worth Visiting
Cappadocia’s underground cities are more than ancient ruins — they’re a powerful reminder of human resilience, adaptation, and creativity. From smart engineering to cultural depth, these sites provide a rare window into a world hidden just beneath your feet.
🌍 Discover Cappadocia’s Hidden Side with Advisormapp
Advisormapp.com and the Advisormapp mobile app help you:
- 📍 Book underground city tours instantly
- 🎧 Access audio guides in multiple languages
- 🗺️ Get directions and local tips
- 🤝 Connect with certified local tour providers
Download the app or visit Advisormapp.com to explore Cappadocia’s underground marvels with ease and confidence.
