Derinkuyu Underground City
Explore Derinkuyu, Turkey's vast ancient underground city, a multi-level marvel of engineering that once housed thousands.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better experience
Derinkuyu Underground City
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Derinkuyu, Turkey's vast ancient underground city, a multi-level marvel of engineering that once housed thousands.
"It's shocking how smart we are as a species. "
🔦 Bring a Head Torch
Essential for navigating dark spots and fully appreciating the details.
🚶♂️ Take Your Time
Explore all the little paths and soak in the history. Don't rush!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Maze of Tunnels
Throughout the city
Explore the multi-level labyrinth of tunnels, rooms, and passages carved into volcanic rock.
Ancient Living Quarters
Various levels
See remnants of living spaces, kitchens, stables, and storage areas from ancient times.
Ventilation Shafts & Wells
Throughout the city
Marvel at the ingenious ventilation systems and water wells that sustained the underground community.
Underground Church
Specific level
Discover the ancient church, a testament to the spiritual life of the city's inhabitants.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Prepare for Tight Spaces
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔦 Bring a Head Torch
Essential for navigating dark spots and fully appreciating the details.
🚶♂️ Take Your Time
Explore all the little paths and soak in the history. Don't rush!
🚗 Easy Access by Car
Driving from Goreme is straightforward. Public transport might be trickier.
💰 Reasonable Entry Fee
Admission is affordable and often included in museum passes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🔦 Bring a Head Torch
Essential for navigating dark spots and fully appreciating the details.
🚶♂️ Take Your Time
Explore all the little paths and soak in the history. Don't rush!
🚗 Easy Access by Car
Driving from Goreme is straightforward. Public transport might be trickier.
💰 Reasonable Entry Fee
Admission is affordable and often included in museum passes.
🧐 Consider a Guide
Knowledgeable guides can enhance your understanding, but it's great to explore solo too.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Derinkuyu Underground City as an astonishing and mind-blowing experience, highlighting its incredible engineering and historical significance. Many are awed by the scale and complexity of the ancient city, with its tunnels, living quarters, and defensive features. While the experience is highly recommended, some caution is advised for those with claustrophobia due to the narrow passages.
"Really amazing experience! Take you’re time and enjoy all the little paths. Make sure you have head torch with you it’s a huge help in the dark spots. Pack light with just a little water and you’ll have an incredible time! 13€ entry which is well worth it! You can pay for a guide once you’re in they are generally around 10€-50€, they are very knowledgeable if you get the right ones."
Vinny Cross
"This is such an astonishing underground city that had been in existence since many centuries ago. During that time, people lived underground to avoid oppression, they were able to create quarters for families to sleep, cooking area, storage area, winery, and even a meeting place for the people to gather and have discussions. The underground city ha many levels. One could get lost in the maze of the underground city if not familiar with it. Truly an amazing site and very educational for us."
Rahmah Ramli
"I planned an entire 15 day trip from the US starting with an advertisement I saw for this. It was WORTH IT! Go after 2 when the crowds are less. Be prepared to crouch way down along long corridors. It was fascinating. It's shocking how smart we are as a species."
Terry St. Germain (All8Up)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Derinkuyu Underground City from Goreme is by car, which takes about 30-40 minutes. You can rent a car or hire a taxi. Public transport options exist but may be less direct and more time-consuming.
While public transport to Derinkuyu is possible, it's often less convenient than driving. Buses may require transfers and can take longer. Renting a car or joining a tour is generally recommended for ease of access.
For a day trip from Cappadocia, renting a car offers the most flexibility. Alternatively, many organized tours from Goreme include Derinkuyu as part of a Cappadocia itinerary, making transportation seamless.
Yes, there is typically parking available at Derinkuyu Underground City, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Derinkuyu is located in the southern part of Cappadocia, roughly 30-40 minutes drive from Goreme. It's often visited in conjunction with other sites in the region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for Derinkuyu Underground City is generally around 13 EUR, which is considered very reasonable for the experience. It may also be included if you have a regional museum pass.
Booking tickets in advance is usually not necessary for Derinkuyu Underground City, especially if you visit during off-peak hours. However, during peak season, it might be advisable to check for any online booking options.
Opening hours can vary seasonally, but Derinkuyu Underground City is generally open daily. It's best to check the most current hours before your visit, especially if you plan to go early or late.
Yes, Derinkuyu Underground City is often included in regional museum passes, which can be a cost-effective option if you plan to visit multiple historical sites in Cappadocia.
The city is a maze of tunnels and rooms, and it's possible to get disoriented if you're not familiar with it. While guides are available, it's also recommended to pay attention to signage or stick to marked paths.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking and potentially crouching. Layers are advisable as the temperature underground can be cooler than on the surface.
Derinkuyu features narrow tunnels and low ceilings, which can be challenging for individuals with claustrophobia. It's important to be aware of this before visiting.
Yes, you can explore Derinkuyu on your own. However, hiring a guide can provide valuable historical context and insights into the city's construction and purpose.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to explore Derinkuyu Underground City. This will give you enough time to navigate the tunnels, see the various rooms, and appreciate the scale of the site.
Restroom facilities are typically available near the entrance. It's advisable to bring your own water, as there may not be readily available sources inside the underground city.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Derinkuyu Underground City, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash in sensitive areas. The low light conditions can make for dramatic photos.
Look for interesting architectural details, the interplay of light and shadow in the tunnels, and the sheer scale of the carved spaces. The entrance and exit points often offer good vantage points.
For casual visitor photography, no special permit is usually required. However, for professional shoots or commercial purposes, it's best to inquire with the site management beforehand.
A camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a capable night mode is recommended. Consider using a tripod or stabilizing your camera to avoid blur in the dimly lit tunnels.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical and archaeological sites for safety and preservation reasons. It's highly unlikely that drones are permitted within Derinkuyu Underground City.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♂️ Solo Travelers
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of Derinkuyu
+2 The city features a complex network of tunnels, living quarters, stables, churches, wineries, storage rooms, and even a religious school. The ingenious design includes sophisticated ventilation shafts that provided fresh air to the deepest levels, crucial for sustaining life.
Water wells were also strategically placed, ensuring a reliable water source. The defensive capabilities of Derinkuyu are also remarkable, with large stone doors that could be rolled to block passages, effectively sealing off sections of the city from invaders. This subterranean city wasn't just a temporary shelter; it was a fully functional community designed for long-term habitation. The scale and complexity of Derinkuyu highlight the advanced planning and architectural skills of its creators, likely the Phrygians and later expanded by the Byzantines.
Who Built Derinkuyu and Why?
+1 The city was significantly expanded and utilized during the Byzantine era, particularly from the 5th to the 10th centuries AD. The primary reason for constructing such an extensive underground city was likely defense. Cappadocia's soft volcanic rock made it ideal for excavation, and the region was vulnerable to invasions.
The underground cities provided a safe haven for the inhabitants to hide from Arab raids and other conflicts. Some theories also suggest that the cities were used by early Christians to escape persecution. While defense was a major factor, the scale of Derinkuyu suggests it was also a place for permanent or semi-permanent settlement, with all the necessary facilities for a thriving community.
Navigating Derinkuyu: Practicalities and Tips
Be aware that some sections involve significant crouching and navigating narrow tunnels, which can be challenging for those with claustrophobia.
Admission fees are generally reasonable, and the site is often included in regional museum passes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit