Kaymaklı Underground City – Journey into the Depths of Ancient Cappadocia

Hidden beneath the surreal landscape of Cappadocia lies one of the most astonishing architectural wonders of ancient Anatolia—Kaymaklı Underground City. Located in the province of Nevşehir, central Türkiye, Kaymaklı is a multi-level subterranean complex carved entirely from volcanic rock. It’s one of the largest and most well-preserved underground cities in the region, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia.

A Labyrinth of History Beneath the Earth

The history of Kaymaklı Underground City stretches back to the Hittite period (circa 2000 BCE), though most of the city’s structures were expanded during the early Byzantine era, especially between the 5th and 10th centuries CE. This underground haven served as a refuge for Christians escaping Roman persecution and later, Arab raids. Designed with survival in mind, it includes everything necessary for prolonged underground habitation: living quarters, stables, storage rooms, kitchens, wineries, and even chapels.

With eight levels, of which four are open to visitors, Kaymaklı is a marvel of ancient engineering. Narrow tunnels connect chambers, while heavy circular stone doors could seal off sections to deter intruders. Air shafts and water wells ensured residents could breathe and stay hydrated during extended periods underground.

Exploring Kaymaklı Today

Visitors today can walk through low-ceilinged tunnels and dimly lit corridors, imagining what life must have been like for the thousands who once lived here. The city was designed not just for concealment but also for community. You’ll find large communal kitchens, complete with soot-stained chimneys, and cleverly designed ventilation shafts that run deep into the earth.

Highlights include:

• Stone doors used for defense.

• Winemaking rooms with carved-out troughs.

• Church rooms with symbolic carvings.

• Storage areas for food and grain.

• Living quarters that reveal how entire families lived in the underground maze.

Although the tunnels are narrow and steep in some places, strategically placed lighting and signposts make the experience accessible for most visitors.

Cultural and Archaeological Significance

Kaymaklı isn’t just a fascinating travel destination—it’s also a site of profound archaeological importance. It exemplifies the ingenuity of ancient civilizations in adapting to both natural geology and geopolitical threats. The city connects to other underground cities in the region through miles of tunnels, including Derinkuyu, which lies approximately 9 kilometers away.

This interconnected network is believed to have sheltered up to 20,000 people at once, making Cappadocia’s underground cities one of the most complex and populated subterranean habitats in ancient history.

How to Get There

Kaymaklı is located 20 kilometers south of Nevşehir city center, and is easily accessible by car, taxi, or organized tours. Many tour operators in Göreme, Ürgüp, and Avanos offer guided visits as part of day trips that include other Cappadocian highlights.

If you’re coming from Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport, it’s just a 40-minute drive to Kaymaklı. Buses and minibuses also run regularly from Nevşehir Otogar (bus station).

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kaymaklı Underground City is during spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October). The weather is mild, and visitor numbers are manageable. Summer can be crowded, while winter visits are possible but often cold, especially inside the city’s damp, stone corridors.

Since it’s underground, Kaymaklı offers a welcome escape from the midday heat of Cappadocia during warmer months.