Attractions
Cappadocia Underground Cities Guide
Whole communities once lived below ground here, sheltering from raids in multi-level cities complete with stables, kitchens and churches. Compare the main underground cities and pick the right one for you.
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How the underground cities worked
Carved into the soft tuff over centuries, these cities could seal themselves off with great circular stone doors and breathe through hidden ventilation shafts. They held everything a community needed for weeks underground — living quarters, food stores, wineries, stables, wells and chapels — and connected to the surface and each other through narrow tunnels.
Which city to choose
Derinkuyu and Kaymakli are the two most-visited. Derinkuyu is the deepest and most dramatic; Kaymakli is wider and a little easier to navigate, which makes it friendlier for families and the mildly claustrophobic.
- Derinkuyu — deepest (~60 m), most dramatic, narrower passages.
- Kaymakli — wider tunnels, easier navigation, good for families.
- Both are stops on the Green Tour; a guide adds a lot of context.
Frequently asked questions
- Derinkuyu for the deepest, most dramatic experience; Kaymakli if you prefer wider passages and an easier walk. Most travelers only need to visit one.
- Older children usually love them, but the narrow, low passages can be tiring for toddlers and tough for anyone claustrophobic. Kaymakli is the more comfortable choice.