Kaymaklı Underground City is an ancient multi-level refuge carved down into Cappadocia's soft volcanic tuff, reaching eight levels deep and ranking — alongside nearby Derinkuyu — among the most famous underground cities in the world. Early Christians greatly expanded it to shelter from Arab raids and Byzantine-era persecution, and its warren of stables, a rock-cut church, wine and oil presses, kitchens and storerooms is laid out around deep ventilation shafts. As of 2026 only four of the excavated levels are open to the public, and the site can be visited year-round. With many low, narrow passages it makes a rewarding half-day stop for reasonably mobile visitors.
The roughly 80 m-deep ventilation shafts and the ingenious air-circulation system built around them
Circular millstone doors (about 1 m across) that were rolled shut to seal passages — a defensive lock operated only from the inside
The third level's clustered wine and oil presses, kitchens, and an andesite stone block pierced with 57 holes
The rock-cut church on the second level, with its baptismal font and low seating platforms
Traces of the tunnel network said to have linked Kaymaklı to Derinkuyu some 8–9 km away
Good to know
SafetyPassages are very tight, ceilings are low and stairways are steep. Bend low to protect your head and back, and wear non-slip shoes and light-colored clothing.
SafetySkip it if you have claustrophobia or knee/back trouble. In peak season the narrow sections bottleneck, so arriving right at opening in the morning is far more comfortable.
SeasonIn summer the surface is hot but underground stays cool at around 10°C year-round, so bring a light layer. Winter opening hours may be shorter — confirm the latest before you go.
RulesFree entry applies to the Turkish MüzeKart for Turkish citizens; foreign visitors pay a separate fee. Buying a Cappadocia museum pass or the official e-ticket in advance can shorten the queue.
CautionTouts outside may insist that a guide is mandatory. Buy tickets only at the official box office; hiring a guide is optional, so agree on the price up front.
MannersThis is a genuine religious and residential heritage site — do not touch or scratch the walls, and avoid tripods and selfie sticks in tight sections. Follow posted rules on flash photography and drones.
Practical info
The site lies about 19 km south of Nevşehir town and is reached by the Derinkuyu-bound dolmuş (minibus) or on a Cappadocia tour, with a car park on site. It is open daily (summer roughly 08:00–19:00, shorter in winter), but foreign-visitor fees and hours change often, so check the official site (muze.gov.tr) for the latest before visiting.
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