Located beneath the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, Derinkuyu reveals an extraordinary underground world. Burrowed into the volcanic tuff some 85 meters (280 feet) below the surface, this vast city could shelter up to 20,000 people along with their food stores and livestock. For centuries the chambers and tunnels lay hidden, forming part of the Göreme National Park and Rock Sites of Cappadocia World Heritage Area. UNESCO notes that Cappadocia’s rock-hewn sanctuaries and entire troglodyte villages – including the subterranean cities of Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu – make the region “one of the world’s most striking and largest cave-dwelling complexes”. This introductory overview will trace how a humble home renovation in 1963 exposed Derinkuyu’s mysteries, and then journey through its deep history, ingenious engineering, daily life, visitor insights, and enduring legacy.

An Accidental Discovery: How a Modern Home Revealed an Ancient Metropolis

The buried city of Derinkuyu remained lost to modern knowledge until the 20th century. In 1963, a local Cappadocian farmer was puzzled by chickens vanishing from his yard. When he broke through a wall in his basement, he uncovered a narrow tunnel carved in the soft rock. This tunnel led to an amazing hidden chamber, which in turn opened onto more passages. In effect, a single knocked-down wall revealed a sprawling underground city. Business Insider recounts that “after knocking down a wall, he found a tunnel — and accidentally rediscovered the sprawling, subterranean city”. As word spread, archaeologists and local officials were summoned to explore the site.

The Man Who Knocked Down a Wall in 1963

Local folklore in Cappadocia still remembers the curious homeowner who made Derinkuyu famous. According to contemporary reports, “in 1963 a local man…noticed his chickens were disappearing through a gap in his basement”. Investigating further, he pulled back part of a newly cracked wall and found a carved corridor leading into darkness. Stunned by the discovery, the man and his neighbors lit torches and ventured inside. They found rooms with stone stools, a stable with troughs for animals, and passages carved into the rock. Initially they explored only one small chamber, but it quickly became clear that the site was much more extensive than a single room.

From a Single Room to a Sprawling Complex: The Initial Exploration

Word of the find prompted hurried exploration by villagers and archaeologists. As they unearthed more corridors and stairs, it became evident that Derinkuyu extended dozens of meters underground across multiple levels. Eventually hundreds of openings to the cave network were discovered in the vicinity. According to the BBC, “more than 600 entrances to the ancient city have since been found within people’s homes”. In other words, many ordinary house basements in the village unknowingly opened into the subterranean city.

Explorers discovered that the tunnels were deliberately built with one-way passages and easily blocked choke points – evidence that this place was designed for defense. Each level could be closed off by rolling a massive stone slab into place (the famous “millstone” doors), isolating intruders. Over subsequent months, systematic digging and excavation gradually mapped out the labyrinth. By 1965, much of the network had been cleared and its full scale became apparent. In total, Derinkuyu is believed to have 18 levels carved into the rock, although only a portion are now safe for public access.

Uncovering the Mystery: The Archaeological Digs That Followed

After the initial find, formal archaeological work began in the mid-1960s. Experts from Istanbul and abroad came to survey and open the tunnels. Within a few years, the site was opened for visitors (initially in 1969) and researchers continued to study it. The Turkish Department of Culture later attributed the core of the complex to the Phrygians of the 8th–7th centuries BC, who first carved dwellings into the soft stone. In subsequent periods, including the Byzantine era, Christian residents expanded the caves, adding chapels, staircases, and other rooms. Archaeologists found evidence – such as inscriptions and artifacts – confirming Derinkuyu’s use as a refuge during Arab–Byzantine wars (7th–12th centuries) and later conflicts.

During these digs, explorers uncovered specialized chambers: a pressroom for producing wine and olive oil, stable areas for animals, communal kitchens, a chapel, and even a schoolroom under a vaulted ceiling. By piecing together these finds, scholars concluded that Derinkuyu was not a random cave, but a planned underground city. Over time the mysterious subterranean settlement yielded to study, revealing its full extent and purpose.

The Enigmatic History of Derinkuyu: Who Built It and Why?

The origins and evolution of Derinkuyu’s underground city have puzzled historians. Who first dug these tunnels, and for what purpose? Evidence suggests that the inhabitants of Cappadocia used its pliable volcanic rock to create safe havens as early as the 1st millennium BC. According to inscriptions and historical sources, the Phrygians (an ancient Anatolian people) likely initiated the early levels in the 8th–7th centuries BC. Over time, new groups made use of the site. By the classical era, the caves were expanded by Greek-speaking settlers. Ultimately, during the Byzantine period (around the 5th–10th centuries AD) Christian farmers and bishops extended Derinkuyu into a large hideout.

Archaeological surveys show tools and construction style consistent with very early digging. For example, rusted pick and shovel marks, plus primitive chisels, have been found on the deepest levels. These suggest that the earliest builders had only basic tools. Some scholars once speculated that the Hittites (a Bronze Age empire) might have carved the caves, but most evidence now favors the later Phrygian theory. The city’s layout – with multiple discrete levels – indicates it grew gradually over many generations.

The Ancient Origins: Were the Phrygians or Hittites the First Architects?

Historically, the Phrygians receive credit for Derinkuyu’s initial construction. The Turkish Department of Culture explicitly states the city dates to “2800 years ago by the Phrygians in the 8th–7th centuries BC”. However, because Cappadocia was influenced by many cultures, some local legends link Derinkuyu to Hittite refugees or even to Alexander the Great’s time. No definitive inscriptions survive to settle the question, so experts rely on indirect clues. The very lowest levels contain pottery shards and organic remains typical of Phrygian sites, while the deeper rock-cut techniques resemble other Phrygian digs.

Analyzing the Tools and Techniques of the Earliest Levels. The lower galleries of Derinkuyu show rough-hewn walls and basic supports, consistent with very early methods. Initial builders used pointed iron picks and hammers, creating wide corridors and large chambers in relatively “soft” tuff rock. Unlike later expansions, the first levels lack refined architecture, suggesting they were carved steadily over many years. Geological studies note that Cappadocia’s tuff is easy to chip when dry but becomes hard when damp – early workers likely removed moisture and carved in drier seasons. The consistency of the rock layers may have helped them plan the rooms to avoid collapses.

Debating the Hittite Connection: Evidence and Theories. Some historians have proposed that fugitives from the Hittite empire (around 1200 BC) may have first burrowed into the ground for safety. Concrete evidence is scarce; most Hittite artifacts in Cappadocia come from above-ground ruins. The next major cultural phase was Greek, and then Byzantine. If the Hittites did carve portions of the caves, their work was likely taken over and expanded by later peoples. Today the archaeological consensus is that Derinkuyu’s origins align best with the Phrygian period, although definitive proof remains elusive.

The Byzantine Golden Age: Expansion into a Thriving City

By the early Byzantine era (late Roman period), Derinkuyu had been transformed into a fully developed underground metropolis. Under Byzantine influence, the city’s population swelled and its network of chambers broadened. Cavern walls were smoothed and additional levels excavated upward to house more people. Inscriptions in Greek began to appear on walls, and dedicated chapels with Christian iconography were added. The most remarkable addition was a spacious barrel-vaulted hall on the second level, probably used as a school or monastery. This indicates the community had an educational and religious life underground.

During this golden age, Derinkuyu’s fortifications were honed. Each passage was fitted with circular stone doors that could roll into place from either side. These half-ton “millstones” could completely seal off a level if needed. Narrow, winding corridors forced invaders to fight one at a time, a defensive trick built into the design. Engineers also dug multiple interlocking staircases, so that if one pathway were blocked the residents could escape through alternate routes. The Byzantines even connected Derinkuyu by secret tunnels to nearby underground towns (most notably Kaymaklı) for added strategic depth.

Byzantine residents also stockpiled food and water to withstand sieges. Granaries and wine-presses appear on several levels. Large cellars once stored wheat, dried fruit, and oil. Livestock – goats, sheep, even cattle – were kept on the upper levels near the surface to provide fresh meat and milk, while their odors remained away from living quarters. Cemeteries were carved on a lower terrace: the dead were placed in rock-cut graves until danger passed, at which point bodies were retrieved for burial above. In this way, Derinkuyu functioned as a self-sustaining underground Byzantine village, capable of supporting its population for months at a time.

A Christian Refuge: How Derinkuyu Protected Thousands from Invasion

In the Middle Ages, Derinkuyu’s role as a place of refuge became most significant during the Arab–Byzantine Wars (roughly 780–1180 AD). Arab armies advanced through Anatolia and raided villages; Christians from rural Cappadocia escaped into these caverns. UNESCO notes that in the 4th–11th centuries Cappadocians banded into subterranean towns such as Derinkuyu specifically to resist invasions. The underground city’s long, deep corridors and hidden entrances made it an ideal sanctuary. Historical accounts record that whenever threat approached, villagers slipped down hidden wells or doorways into Derinkuyu. After sealing the access points with stone blocks, they waited out the danger underground.

Evidence of this era abounds in Derinkuyu. One level contains a cruciform (cross-shaped) church carved from the rock, complete with arches and a small apse. Remnants of fresco paint and crosses in the walls show that Christian worship continued underground. Graffiti in multiple languages – Greek, Syriac, and even early Turkish – attest that populations of different backgrounds took shelter here. The guide cited by Business Insider recounts that Derinkuyu’s refuge period was harrowing: residents “relieved themselves in sealed clay jars” and “lived by torchlight,” with dead bodies stored in designated areas until it was safe. In short, Derinkuyu’s design met the full needs of a battered community: water from wells, food from caches, air through shafts, and security behind stone doors.

With the Christian Byzantine Empire weakened by successive conquests, Derinkuyu continued to serve as a sanctuary into the late medieval period. During Timur Lenk’s incursions in the 14th century and later during brief Egyptian raids, villagers descended once more. Even under early Ottoman rule, local Christian populations occasionally hid here when threatened. Remarkably, the city remained in sporadic use until the early 20th century. Only after the 1923 population exchange – when Cappadocian Greeks were compelled to leave for Greece – was Derinkuyu finally abandoned.

Why Was Derinkuyu Abandoned? The Theories Behind Its Depopulation

By the late Ottoman era, the community that built and maintained Derinkuyu was slowly dwindling. Church records and oral histories suggest that gradually fewer families returned to the caves after each raid. With improved stability under Ottoman governance, many Christian residents moved to surface villages, leaving the tunnels mostly empty. The decisive blow came after World War I, when the Greek-Turkish population exchange of 1923 mandated that all Greek Orthodox Cappadocians depart. As one historian notes, once the Cappadocian Greeks and Armenians were expelled or fled, Derinkuyu’s passages fell silent.

Other theories about abandonment point to social change. Some scholars argue that by the 18th and 19th centuries, the subterranean city was no longer necessary as living standards rose and Ottoman authority stabilized the region. Additionally, Christian legends grew around Derinkuyu; local tradition called it “Malakopi” (“soft earth”) and spoke of it only as a place of refuge, not permanent home. When modern inhabitants left, the entrances were sealed and forgotten. Nature and time began to reclaim the caverns, filling some tunnels with debris. Thus Derinkuyu remained largely untouched until its 20th-century rediscovery.

A Complete Historical Timeline of Derinkuyu

• Circa 8th–7th c. BC: Earliest chambers carved by Phrygians or other local peoples into Cappadocia’s volcanic tuff.
• Roman/Byzantine Period (3rd–4th c. AD): Greek-speaking inhabitants add chapels, expand living quarters.
• Arab–Byzantine Wars (7th–12th c.): Derinkuyu reaches its full extent of at least 7–8 levels, fortified for war. Used as Christian refuge, with churches and schools.
• Late Byzantine/Mongol incursions (13th–14th c.): Continued use during Timurid invasions; tunnels connecting to Kaymaklı dug for safety.
• Ottoman Era (15th–19th c.): Sporadic sheltering by local villagers, occasional use by Maronite and Greek villagers. Population slowly declines.
• Early 20th century: Final Christian inhabitants use it in the 1910s; abandoned after 1923 population exchange.
• 1963–1969: Rediscovered by a home renovation, followed by excavation and opening to public.
• Late 20th – 21st century: Derinkuyu is developed as an archaeological site and tourist attraction, while remaining largely intact and preserved.

Architectural Marvels: Engineering an 18-Story Underground World

The scale and ingenuity of Derinkuyu’s construction defy easy belief. Carving an 18-level city deep underground required remarkable planning and labor. As modern analysis shows, every level had a designated purpose, with floors linked by steep stairways and protected by dozens of massive stone doors. The builders exploited Cappadocia’s uniquely soft but stable tuff rock (consolidated volcanic ash), which allowed fast carving and safe air passage once excavated.

Derinkuyu’s layered plan emerges from this cross-sectional illustration. Each level is carved horizontally but often offset from those above and below. The levels have specific roles: near-surface floors for animals and storage, middle floors for living and work, and a deep central well. Together they form a compact city with minimal footprints on the surface.

The Master Plan: A Level-by-Level Breakdown of the City

Examining Derinkuyu level by level reveals the thought given to medieval urban planning. On the first two levels (near the present ground surface), the caverns served practical daily needs. These floors housed stables for livestock and large wine/oil presses. Indeed, one vaulted chamber on level 2 contains the remains of a press and a millstone mechanism. Farmers drove their animals down stone ramps into the caves so that even during siege their goats and sheep could be tended. Thanks to gravity and the door system, the animals stayed on lower floors, keeping smells away from human quarters.

Levels three and four were organized as living quarters and communal areas. Dug into the rock were individual rooms for families and wider dining halls or refectories. Kitchens with hearths and storage bins appear on these levels. Wine jars (amphorae) and ceramic pots for grain have been found here, indicating these floors were used for both daily life and food supply. A key feature on level 3 is a large cruciform church (cross-shaped room) with niches that held icons. Nearby is a tuff-carved room with benches and a trough-like basin – likely a seminary or school where local clergy taught villagers.

Levels five and six were essentially the city’s command center. Historians believe these housed more specialized chambers: soldiers’ barracks, guard quarters, and the leader’s council rooms. Each of these levels had narrow guard passages and slits (“kill holes”) cut into the walls. These holes allowed defenders to shower attackers with arrows or boiling oil while remaining protected behind the doors. Level 5 may have also contained an armory – archaeologists have found fragments of wooden beams that may have been shelving for weapons. In effect, these middle floors functioned as the fortress’s military core.

The seventh level contained the grandest single chamber: an enormous meeting hall under a high, vaulted ceiling. It could have served as the town assembly room or a place for communal worship. This “great hall” has carved niches that might have held the town’s archives or scrolls. Adjacent to it is a kitchen big enough to feed hundreds, suggesting large gatherings took place here during crises. Some sources describe this level as containing a missionary school, where itinerant teachers from the surface educated children in secret.

The eighth level reaches the deepest accessible floors. Here is the famous cruciform church with cross-shaped design carved into the rock – a rare example of deliberate religious architecture underground. At this depth, the ceilings narrow and passageways become tight. A perennial water well extends 55 meters down from the base of level 8. Drawing water up these stairs, hidden from any besiegers, meant that Derinkuyu’s inhabitants could live underground indefinitely if necessary. In summary, each tier of Derinkuyu’s plan had a defined function, from everyday chores to defense to worship, making the whole structure a fully self-contained subterranean city.

The Genius of the Ventilation System: How 20,000 People Breathed

Any underground city needs fresh air, and Derinkuyu’s builders devised an elaborate system of shafts and vents to ensure ventilation. The centerpiece is the 55-meter well that reaches down from deep below to the surface. Uniquely, this was not only a well for water but also acted as a giant air shaft. Engineers added side tunnels to this shaft so that air could circulate: wind entering the top drew stale air up from below, and vice versa. By sealing the bottom portion with a sliding lid (operable from underneath), residents could cut off surface air or water if invaders polluted the well.

Narrow ventilation shafts channel fresh air to each level. This view shows one of the many vertical vents (with wooden ladders) above the deepest rooms. Over a dozen major shafts and dozens more minor vents thread upward through the city, funneling air into interior chambers. Each living level has access to these ducts, so even when doors are closed and lights are low, smoke and humidity do not accumulate.

Mapping these shafts has revealed their strategic placement: the main 55m shaft lies roughly in the center, while smaller 10–20m vents are spread at the edges. When inhabitants settled underground, they would light oil lamps or cook on fires; without ventilation the smoke would have choked them. Instead, each floor could remain breathable, even deep below. In short, air circulation was engineered so well that 20,000 people could take turns breathing clean air while others slept or ate.

The Unbreachable Defense: The Famous Rolling Stone Doors

No architectural survey of Derinkuyu is complete without its enormous rolling stone doors. These stone slabs – some up to 1.5 meters in diameter – were crafted to perfectly fit tunnels, allowing levels to be walled off from the inside. According to engineering analysis, each circular door weighed roughly 500 kilograms (about half a ton) and could be rolled along grooves to seal a corridor. Significantly, the grooves were one-sided – the door could be moved easily from inside the room, but locked tight against intruders outside.

The placement of these doors was strategic. Every major tunnel connecting one level to another had a millstone door. In practice, if attackers breached the upper entry, defenders would roll a stone shut behind them, isolating that part of the tunnel system. Business Insider notes that on every inhabited floor there was “large stone doors meant to stop intruders”. These doors turned Derinkuyu into a series of locked chambers during a siege. Moreover, small holes (often above or below the doors) allowed guards to surveil or snipe at invaders without opening the block. The overall effect was an unbreachable defensive design: narrow passages choked with attackers and sealed at will by gigantic round stones.

Securing a Water Supply: The Underground Wells and River

Water was as vital as air for an underground fortress. Derinkuyu’s engineers tackled this by sinking wells and channeling streams. The 55-meter deep well already mentioned not only ventilated but, during normal times, supplied fresh water from the aquifer to residents. Villagers above could draw from the same well, but Derinkuyu’s occupants could shut off that connection if they feared contamination. In effect, they held control of the water – a key strategic advantage in siege conditions.

In addition to this main well, smaller cisterns and channels collected rainfall filtered through the rock. Archaeologists have identified hidden cisterns on several levels where rainwater was diverted underground. Some passages are very near the nearby Melendiz River, and it is believed that access tunnels – perhaps siphons or connecting shafts – were dug to tap its flow when needed. At least one horizontal channel may link Derinkuyu to the river basin outside, providing an additional water source. By combining these features, the city’s planners ensured that under normal conditions it had ample fresh water; and under duress, the water could be trapped inside while invaders were cut off.

The Network Tunnels: Connecting Derinkuyu to the Outside World (and Kaymaklı)

Derinkuyu did not exist in isolation. From its earliest expansions, it was part of a network of subterranean hideouts. Secret tunnels link it to at least two neighboring sites. The best known is the tunnel to Kaymaklı Underground City, roughly 8–9 kilometers away. This passageway, discovered in modern times, would have allowed people to flee Derinkuyu on foot to the next refuge if one side was overrun. Shorter tunnels or back-door exits lead to hidden exits in the hills or into streambeds.

One exit lies under a cliff near the ancient settlement of Eskigörümce, several kilometers south of Derinkuyu. Another emerges near a dried-up spring. Historical tradition says dozens of such secret gates were concealed behind vineyards, stone walls or inside homes – more than 600 have been documented within the village. Essentially, Derinkuyu’s inhabitants could slip out unseen to pasture livestock or even launch raids on invaders from below. While the full extent of these escape routes remains partly explored, it is clear that the city’s designers considered all possibilities: multiple exits, long tunnels, and ways to communicate with the outside world even during lockdown.

Daily Life in Derinkuyu: A Self-Sufficient Subterranean Society

The city’s architecture tells only part of the story. To fully understand Derinkuyu, one must imagine how daily life worked underground – how families ate, worshipped, learned, and governed themselves in this tight space. Remarkably, archaeological digs and artifacts paint a vivid picture of a self-sustaining subterranean community.

What Was a Typical Day Like for a Resident?

Dawn and dusk had special meaning in Derinkuyu: there was no sun below ground. Residents awoke by the light of oil lamps or torches, which burned in carved wall niches. Morning chores followed. On the upper levels, young men led goats and sheep down stone ramps from the surface homes into the underground stables. Farmers then attended to olive trees and vineyards above until being recalled back to safety. In the tunnels, women gathered water from ceramic jars carried up from the central well. Firewood brought inside the city had to be rationed carefully due to scarce oxygen. On the whole, life resembled a perpetual drill for disaster: families recycled daily routines while always aware of impending threats.

Meals were communal. Kitchens, often carved with built-in ovens and cooking stoves, supplied food to extended families. Bread was baked on tandoor-style clay ovens in rock kitchens. Huge clay pots (amphorae) stored wine, olive oil, and grains. In the evening, families ate together by lamplight. Artifacts such as grinders and presses found on site show they had facilities for processing wheat, grapes, and flax. After eating, families gathered in simple living rooms – niches cut into walls – for warmth. When not working, children attended lessons in the vaulted schoolroom, and men and women sat around low benches talking or praying.

Throughout the day, every resident played a role in keeping the city running. Young men occasionally stood watch behind stone doors to survey tunnels for danger. Handicrafts continued as needed: someone carved a new jar lid, or mended a lamp wick. Elderly residents often recounted stories in the common hall of level 2, reinforcing communal bonds. The day’s last task was preparation for the night: securing each door behind families as they retired, extinguishing lamps to preserve air, and making sure the wounded or the infirm were attended to. In a sense, daily life was regimented around the city’s safety plan; even ordinary routines were shaped by the need for vigilance.

The Social Hierarchy: From Farmers to Priests to Soldiers

Derinkuyu’s population had a natural social order. At the base were the farmers and laborers – families who farmed the land above and kept the city stocked. They handled most manual tasks: milking goats, tending presses, hauling supplies, and so on. Above them were the clergy and teachers, who ran the church and school at the heart of the city. Historical finds of crosses and Greek writing suggest a church hierarchy. These leaders organized worship, educated the young, and maintained social order.

A third tier was an ad hoc military caste. In times of peace, they blended in with civilians, but in crisis they defended the tunnels. Often the strongest and most able-bodied men took this role. They knew all the secret passages and spearheaded reconnaissance through hidden exits to check if an enemy was near. Community elders – sometimes called “city governors” – took charge of planning during crisis, directing where supplies were stored and which levels to seal off first. In essence, Derinkuyu’s society functioned like a small village underground, with different groups responsible for agriculture, spiritual life, and defense. Every family likely contributed members to all three roles in times of need.

Food and Sustenance: Communal Kitchens, Food Storage, and Livestock

Feeding a city underground for weeks required meticulous food management. Archaeologists have found numerous storerooms on levels 3 and 4 stocked with ceramic jars full of grains, nuts, and dried fruits. Wine cellars with amphorae on level 1–2 held fermented grapes pressed and poured under ground. Large stone presses (bezirhane) for oil and wine still show channels to drain liquids into jars.

Linseed (flaxseed) presses on level 1 turned harvested seeds into lamp oil for lighting. Every bit of edible material was precious: food scraps were likely re-digested and given to animals. Speaking of which, the underground stables contained pens and low ceilings sized for goats and sheep. Keeping the animals underground was key – it meant continuous access to fresh meat, milk, and wool. However, the designers placed the animals on the uppermost floors, closest to the tunnels. This way, animal waste and smell stayed higher, minimizing impact on living quarters. After all, ventilation pulled any odors upward anyway.

In the kitchens, meals were communal. One large hearth could feed dozens; multiple hearths formed a central kitchen in each living area. Meals were eaten in succession so that cooking fumes cleared quickly. Grain and beans were ground by hand using stone grinders, and baking took place in mud ovens. Water for cooking came from the central well or small cisterns. If besieged, families would ration food carefully: the ample storerooms suggest they could survive for months underground if needed.

The Role of the Linseed Presses and Oil Lamps

Oil lamps were indispensable. Besides eating and heating, light defined many activities. Special presses on level 1-2 extracted oil from flaxseed and olives specifically to fuel the lamps. Archaeologists found shards of clay lamp fragments embedded in the walls at various levels. These lamps burned for hours, casting tall shadows on the walls. Their steady yellow glow would have given the underground city a warm if dim ambience. The collected lamp oil also likely served medicinal and hygiene uses. In sum, the linseed presses show that the inhabitants had anticipated a long stay underground, not a quick siege.

Keeping Animals Underground: The Design of the Stables

Derinkuyu’s architects devoted significant space to animals. The stables on level 1 had low, domed ceilings and short pillars, sized just right for the local livestock. Faint horizontal grooves in the rock indicate where wooden feeding troughs were anchored. Proximity to storage meant animals could be fed from the grain supplies without going to the surface. The stables had ventilation holes to avoid suffocation. From a defense standpoint, this arrangement meant that if the city had to be abandoned, the livestock could be released to roam outside via the hidden exits, providing one last food source or betraying their escape route by their sounds. The caring for animals underground reflects the community’s emphasis on self-reliance: even when underground, they maintained a full agrarian cycle in miniature form.

Family, Community, and Law Below Ground

Survival in Derinkuyu required a disciplined communal life. Families likely lived in extended units sharing a single corridor-side compound. Privacy was scarce; toddlers were lulled to sleep by the sounds of neighbors’ daily chores. Elders would teach history and faith in the evening gatherings, reinforcing social unity. Because water and food were communal stock, strict rules governed their use. Oral traditions mention that each household had an assigned water allotment (measured in clay jars) to prevent overuse. Community leaders – such as a council of elders or priests – resolved disputes. The entire populace probably adhered to religious observance as a unifying law.

Criminal activity was virtually nonexistent; the city’s design enforced transparency. Passages were narrow, and privacy was limited, so theft or violence was risky and unwise. Any transgression would quickly become known to everyone. In fact, the very act of sealing the doors from the inside meant that no single family could exit without revealing itself. In this confined society, social order and cooperation were matters of survival. Some historians suggest a rudimentary militia or watch was maintained – men who took turns patrolling the outer passages even during non-crisis times, to ensure no one was secretly compromised.

What Was Found in Derinkuyu? Artifacts That Tell a Story

Archaeologists have uncovered thousands of items in Derinkuyu, each shedding light on past daily life. Everyday pottery fragments are the most common find: jugs, plates, oil lamps, and storage jars marked with frescoed symbols (possibly owners’ marks) speak of routine tasks. Grindstones and handmills show how grain was processed in situ. Carved benches and stone stools reveal seating. Copper nails and bits of wooden tooling indicate furniture and construction methods.

Some of the most evocative artifacts are religious. Small stone crosses and icon fragments point to the faith of its inhabitants, matching the carved chapel and school. A few coins were found, mostly Byzantine-era bronze, hinting that trade or taxes still reached this hidden city. Even skeletal remains have been found in a hidden ossuary niche, confirming the practice of temporary underground burial. Together, these finds underscore that Derinkuyu was not a one-time hideout: it was home to ordinary families who lived, worked, worshiped, and died here over many generations.

A Visitor’s Practical Guide to Derinkuyu (2025)

Today Derinkuyu is a major tourist attraction, and planning a visit involves some practical considerations. This section compiles the latest on getting there, what to expect, and how to make the experience safe and enjoyable.

Can You Go Inside Derinkuyu? Yes, and Here’s How

Absolutely. Derinkuyu’s excavated levels are open to the public daily, with the popular entry point at the modern visitor center just off the main road. However, visitors may wonder if it is physically feasible to go inside. The answer is that not only can you enter, you must go inside to experience it – the site is an underground complex and there is no view from above (derinkuyu means “deep well”). Tour groups and independent travelers alike descend the steep stone stairwell at the site’s entrance to reach level 1.

There are no elevators or escalators – all access is via stairs and ramps carved into the rock. On average, visitors enter through a modern stairwell that leads down to level one. Once inside, they can descend further by follow-up stairs cut into the rock. Fortunately, the passageways are well-lit by modern lighting and there are handrails in the tightest spots. Guides often urge newcomers to take it slow, as the descent is steep. In short: Derinkuyu is fully accessible to tourists, and once you step inside, it feels much like walking through a very old, very narrow underground labyrinth of your own.

Location, Directions, and How to Get There from Göreme/Nevşehir

Derinkuyu Village lies south of Nevşehir in Central Cappadocia. The distance from the main tourist hub of Göreme is about 35 kilometers (roughly 30 minutes by car). From Göreme or Ürgüp, most travelers hire a car or taxi. The drive leads south along scenic volcanic terrain; a short side road then winds into Derinkuyu town.

Public transportation is an option. Buses from Göreme run regularly to Nevşehir; at Nevşehir’s bus station passengers must transfer to a local minibus or dolmuş bound for Derinkuyu. (Note: there is no direct Göreme-to-Derinkuyu bus – one goes via Nevşehir taking roughly 1 hour 50 minutes.) The bus fare is minimal, making it a budget-friendly choice. Alternatively, many travel agencies and hotels in Cappadocia offer day-trip minibus tours that include Derinkuyu. Driving yourself is straightforward: just follow the signs for Derinkuyu or ask locals. The route is well-marked, and parking is available near the entrance.

Derinkuyu Entrance Fee and Opening Hours (Updated for 2025)

As of 2025, entry to Derinkuyu is highly affordable. The ticket price for foreign tourists is around 50–100 Turkish Lira (roughly $3–$6). Locals pay a smaller fee. Because rates can change with inflation, always check the latest prices at official sources or on-site. Children, students, and seniors often receive discounts or free entry.

The city is open nearly year-round. In summer months (roughly April–October) visiting hours are typically 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, giving daylight travel before and after. In winter (November–March) the site usually closes earlier, about 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On national holidays the hours may vary. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance booth or online. Since tourism has grown, consider booking peak-season tickets or guided tours in advance to avoid queues. Note: facilities (like restrooms) are at the entry point only; once inside the caves there are no restrooms on the lower levels.

Can You Visit Derinkuyu Without a Tour? Pros and Cons

Yes, visitors are free to explore the site on their own. The signage throughout is clear and there are maps available at the entrance. Independent travel has the advantage of moving at your own pace and focusing on the parts of most interest. With a visitor map in hand, one can spend as long as desired reading plaques or resting between levels.

However, there are benefits to taking a guided tour. A licensed local guide can provide historical context and point out details easily missed. Guides often know anecdotes passed down through local families. For first-time explorers, a guide can help with navigation: there are many corridors, and without prior knowledge one might retrace steps unnecessarily. The price for a small-group guided tour is modest. If budget and schedule allow, hiring a professional guide is highly recommended for deeper understanding and safety.

The Benefits of a Licensed Guide: Guides are trained by Turkey’s Culture Ministry and carry official permits. They must speak English (plus other languages), and they accompany visitors through the entire descent. A guide enriches the experience by telling stories about the discovery, explaining inscriptions, and deciphering complex spaces (for example, distinguishing a storage room from a chapel). They also enforce rules – such as not climbing on fragile ruins – which helps preserve the site. Citing an experienced guide can transform Derinkuyu from a confusing maze into a coherent journey through time.

Self-Guided Tours: What You Need to Know: Going without a guide is certainly doable, but prepare in advance. Pick up a detailed brochure or map at the entrance. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight or headlamp (even though the site is lit, a personal light helps in dark corners). Most importantly, know your limits: as one blogger advises, claustrophobic visitors should identify the largest rooms and stay there if needed (more on claustrophobia below). Without a guide, pace yourself: descend slowly on the steep stairs, keep an eye on signage (some passages are one-way), and take rest stops. Carry water in case of mild dehydration. In short, a self-tour allows freedom, but comes with the responsibility to plan and watch out for one’s own safety.

Is Derinkuyu Safe? Addressing Visitor Concerns

For most people, Derinkuyu is safe to visit, but certain concerns are common. The foremost worry is claustrophobia. The passages can feel cramped; ceilings dip to shoulder height in places. The emergency exits are always open to quick evacuate if someone panics, and park staff patrol continuously. Guides and staff are trained to assist in minor medical issues.

Claustrophobia in Derinkuyu: Tips for Managing Tight Spaces

If you are claustrophobic or prone to panic in confined spaces, take precautions. First, stay on the more open levels as much as possible. For example, the main hall on level 7 and the refectory on level 4 are spacious. Spend extra time there before venturing deeper. You can always return to the surface at any time – staff never lock the entrance during visiting hours. It is also wise to control your breathing and focus on a distant spot; some visitors find it helps to face the wall and count breaths. A helpful tip is to walk slowly and to avoid looking up at the ceiling constantly. Importantly, do not go alone: bring a friend or guide, so someone is with you if you feel panic.

According to travel advisers, Derinkuyu is physically safe – the rock is stable, walkways are reinforced, and lighting is good. However, even those without formal claustrophobia should be mindful: sudden noises (echoes of footsteps, dripping water) and tight bends can be unsettling. It’s best to go in daylight and avoid peak heat, which can make the air feel more stifling. In sum, with a bit of caution and pacing, even nervous visitors can enjoy Derinkuyu safely.

What to Wear and Bring for Your Visit

Dress comfortably for walking. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip are recommended – the stone floors can be slippery or uneven. Long pants or shirts with sleeves are wise; the rock is cool and damp (and occasionally sharp). A light jacket or sweater is useful, since underground temperatures hover around 10–15°C (50–59°F) year-round, which feels chilly after summer sun. Hats are not needed inside, but eyeglasses wearers should keep glasses secure (no air condition means tear-sensitive eyes).

Bring water: although a spring is below, there are no drinking fountains, and you’ll work up thirst climbing stairs. Carry a small flashlight or headlamp. Battery-powered lights help not only with visibility but also give peace of mind (guide lamps are provided but backups are wise). Cameras and phones can be used freely (flash photography is allowed and often recommended to fully see dark corners). Finally, carry any needed medication. If you have a heart condition or asthma, the exertion and dusty air of Derinkuyu are significant factors.

On-Site Amenities: Parking, Shops, and Restrooms

At the entrance complex you’ll find a small parking lot (free for park visitors) and a gift shop. The shop sells refreshments, local handicrafts, and books about Cappadocia – including guides to Derinkuyu itself. There are restrooms outside only; once you enter the caves, there are no facilities until you climb back out. The visitor center also has lockers (coin-operated) if you wish to stow bags, though the tours do not prohibit small backpacks. On-site, there are benches at each level landing where visitors can sit and rest, which is useful for pacing or waiting for small children to catch up.

Staff at the booth can provide first-aid basic supplies if needed, and guides are equipped to call for medical help via radio if any serious situation arises. In summary, Derinkuyu’s visitor services are modest (this is still essentially an archaeological site) but adequate. The emphasis is on the ruins themselves – so expect a rugged but safe outing.

Derinkuyu vs. Kaymaklı: Which Underground City Should You Visit?

Cappadocia boasts several underground cities, of which Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı are the two largest and most-visited. They share many features, but also have distinct characters. This section compares them to help travelers decide which (or whether both) to explore.

The Key Differences: A Head-to-Head Comparison

• Size and Scale: Derinkuyu is deeper, plunging some 85 meters below the surface, whereas Kaymaklı extends over more surface area but is shallower. Derinkuyu’s area is roughly 4 km² in plan, while Kaymaklı’s network, though large, covers a smaller footprint. In practice, Derinkuyu feels like a well shaft with many levels stacked, whereas Kaymaklı spreads horizontally around a central well.
• Layout and Feel: Derinkuyu’s passages are narrow and steeply sloped, often forcing you to climb or crouch. By contrast, Kaymaklı’s tunnels are broader, more gently sloped, and sometimes even roomy, giving a less claustrophobic feel. Derinkuyu’s steps are steeper (for example, the final descent is a tall metal staircase), whereas Kaymaklı has more gradual ramps. Some visitors report Kaymaklı to be easier physically on those prone to tight spaces.
• Ventilation Shaft: Ironically, although Derinkuyu is deeper, Kaymaklı boasts the deeper ventilation well. Surveys show Kaymaklı’s main shaft is about 80 meters long, whereas Derinkuyu’s is 55 meters. Both cities have numerous smaller vents, but the contrast underlines their different planning.
• Crowds and Popularity: Derinkuyu is the star attraction; it can be busy in peak season with guided groups streaming in. Kaymaklı is also popular but feels less frantic because its design allows more spreading out. If you want quieter exploration, Kaymaklı’s gentle passages help avoid bottlenecks. Derinkuyu’s long drop can draw wow-factors but also slows circulation as people pause on staircases.

Is Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı Better? A Recommendation for Every Type of Traveler

• For the Adventure Seeker: Derinkuyu edges out Kaymaklı. Its sheer depth, dramatic staircases, and compact multi-level layout deliver a thrill. The knowledge that you are hundreds of feet below captivates many. Weaving through Derinkuyu’s steeper passages feels more “adventurous.”
• For Families and Beginners: Kaymaklı may be more forgiving. Its level floors and open rooms at each landing allow families with children to stop and play safely. If any member is unsure, the broader corridors of Kaymaklı make for easier breathing and less stress.
• For History Buffs: Both offer rich history, but Derinkuyu has more published fame. If you have limited time, Derinkuyu’s prominence in myths and scholarship (and the presence of the cruciform church) might make it more rewarding. However, Kaymaklı was largely contemporary and connected to the same world, so it will be similar historically.
• For Comparison Shopping: Enthusiasts who want “the whole story” should visit both. They are only a 15-20 minute drive apart. Seeing how each society carved its space differently provides deeper insight.

Can You Visit Both in One Day? A Sample Itinerary

Yes, it’s entirely feasible to hit both on the same outing. An example half-day plan: Start in the morning at Derinkuyu, allow 1½–2 hours for a guided tour or self-exploration (which will cover 5-8 levels). Take lunch in the village of Derinkuyu (there are local cafes). After, drive 15 minutes to Kaymaklı. Spend another 1–1.5 hours there. Since Kaymaklı is shorter, you can enjoy it at leisure. If both sites are too crowded, another approach is split them over two days. But many travelers happily combine them, sometimes with a third site (like Özkonak or Mazi) for a full underground itinerary.

The Legacy of Derinkuyu: Its Place in History and Modern Culture

Derinkuyu’s influence extends far beyond its subterranean walls. As an engineering feat, it inspires modern architects and engineers studying passive climate control and emergency shelter design. Lessons from Derinkuyu’s ventilation and thermal stability are occasionally cited in sustainable building research. In popular culture, Derinkuyu has made an appearance in books, travel documentaries, and even films: it was featured in Turkish historical documentaries as a miraculous “city under the earth.” Its dramatic imagery (hidden streets, stone doors) echoes in TV shows about lost cities.

In 1985, Derinkuyu (along with its Cappadocian neighbors) was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This designation has brought global attention and resources toward preservation. The Turkish government now protects Derinkuyu under cultural heritage laws, limiting development above it to prevent collapse. Its legacy thus includes raising awareness that ancient human ingenuity deserves conservation.

Despite centuries of trauma underground, Derinkuyu has emerged as a treasure trove of human history. Modern engineers marvel at its air-shafts and stone doors; cultural scholars study its multilingual inscriptions; tourists reflect on the resilience of its residents. In this way, Derinkuyu stands as testament to humanity’s creativity and adaptability in the face of danger. The echoes of candles long extinguished still speak to us through its chambers – a deep reminder of how the past can remain vividly present in our world today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Derinkuyu

What is the dark history of Derinkuyu?

Derinkuyu’s “dark history” refers to its long use as a shelter from violence and persecution. Over many centuries, Christian and local Anatolian villagers fled into its depths to escape invaders and oppressors. For example, people hid here during the Arab–Byzantine wars, Mongol raids, and even 20th-century ethnic conflicts. Accounts describe moments like the 1909 Massacres of Adana, when terrified villagers huddled underground for days. Thus its walls bore witness to fear, tight living conditions, and even death in hidden cemeteries. After such turmoil, the tunnels were often left silent – giving the site its eerie, abandoned reputation until rediscovery.

How old is the underground city of Derinkuyu?

Archaeological evidence indicates Derinkuyu’s origins date back about 2,800 years, to the 8th–7th centuries BC. The first workers were likely Phrygian-era villagers who needed storage and occasional refuge. However, its use continued and expanded through antiquity and the Byzantine era. So while the core structure is nearly three millennia old, many features (chapels, schools, defenses) were added later, especially between the 4th and 10th centuries AD.

How many levels of Derinkuyu are open to the public?

Of the roughly 18 known levels, eight are open to visitors. These include the first few that house stables and kitchens down through the mid-level living quarters. The deepest levels (including some chambers of the cruciform church) remain closed due to safety. In practice, one descends to the equivalent of about level 4 or 5 – enough to see all major attractions. So when visiting, expect 5–8 floors of walking and stair-climbing. The rest of the city is being studied but is not accessible to tourists for now.

What is the mystery of the underground city in Turkey?

The “mystery” of Derinkuyu (and similar cities) lies in its purpose and scale. For generations scholars puzzled who built such places and how early they were used. Today, some mysteries remain – for instance, the exact order in which the levels were dug is debated. Also unclear is how the first planners decided on the layout. Did they envision 20,000 people from the start, or did the city grow episodically? While much has been learned, new finds (like unexpected artifacts) continue to surprise experts. In popular imagination, the mystery often evokes legends of hidden treasures or unknown races. In reality, archaeological consensus suggests Derinkuyu was a practical refuge crafted by Cappadocians over time.