Derinkuyu Underground City
The deepest and largest underground city in Cappadocia. The 8-level structure descending 85 meters deep could shelter up to 20,000 people.
Highlights
History and Discovery
Derinkuyu was accidentally discovered in 1963 when a wall of a house collapsed. Though originally built by the Phrygians (8th-7th century BC), it was expanded during the Byzantine era as Christians sought refuge from Arab raids. The city contains kitchens, storage rooms, wine cellars, a missionary school, and a cruciform church.
Architectural Features
The most remarkable features are the ventilation shafts between floors and massive stone doors. The 55-meter ventilation shaft also served as a water well. Each level is protected by circular stone doors that could be closed from the inside during enemy attacks. The lowest level houses a cruciform church and a missionary school.
Other Underground Cities
Kaymakli Underground City
The most visited underground city in Cappadocia. Carved into multi-colored tufa rock, the structure fascinates visitors with its 4 open levels.
Ozkonak Underground City
An underground city with a unique defense system featuring communication holes between floors, away from the crowds.