Derinkuyu Underground City — Attraction in Derinkuyu

My visit to Derinkuyu Underground City left me fascinated by its historical significance, but there were a few considerations to keep in mind. Here's my review, taking into account the following pointers:

Visit on a Weekday: To make the most of your experience and avoid overcrowding and long queues, I highly recommend visiting Derinkuyu Underground City on a weekday. This will allow you to explore the site more comfortably and immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere without feeling rushed. Opt for a Guided Tour: To truly understand the significance and history of this remarkable underground city, I suggest joining a guided tour or a Green Valley tour. The knowledgeable guides provide valuable insights into the ancient civilization that inhabited these underground chambers, enhancing your appreciation for the architectural marvels and the cultural heritage preserved within. Carry Sufficient Water: It's important to note that there are no water sources within the underground city. Therefore, it is advisable to carry an ample supply of water to stay hydrated during your visit. The exploration can be physically demanding, and having water on hand will ensure a more comfortable experience. Claustrophobia Considerations: Derinkuyu Underground City is a subterranean labyrinth with narrow passages and confined spaces. If you generally feel claustrophobic or uncomfortable in closed places, it is wise to take adequate measures before deciding to visit. Consider your personal comfort level and prioritize your well-being above all else. Overall, Derinkuyu Underground City offers a unique and intriguing glimpse into the past. By visiting on a weekday, opting for a guided tour, carrying sufficient water, and considering any potential claustrophobia concerns, you can make the most of this captivating historical site. It is an adventure that will surely leave you in awe of the ancient civilisation that once thrived in these underground chambers. Current ticket cost...

As an archaeologist and a worker in cultural heritage field, this site is a disgrace to Turkey cultural heritage. First of all It Is clear they really don't care in promoting the site, but rather make as much profit out of It as they can, otherwise they wouldn't let in as many people as they want, but they could easily make a group system instead to let go inside a few people at the time so that they can manage them easily and let them enjoy the spaces without being in a hurry. The spaces are obviously pretty tight and security Is questionable, there was really a lot of people and i couldn't go back or forward in the corridors, I never suffered claustrophobia in my entire Life but i had a principle of a panick Attack due to realizing that if someone would get hurt there was the possibility to do absolutely nothing, also because of the amount of people and the chaos i wasn't able to enjoy the site at all and i had to get out earlier. Talking about security again the path isn't well marked and I ended up in a very tiny corridor (which had a sign and looked like a visitable Place) that had lights at First, but Just got completely dark After a while. They really could fix everything Just by doing guided tours with a fixed Number of tourists every time, but It Is clear they don't really care about the cultural heritage involvend, otherwise they wouldn't Simply advice people to go early in the morning to find It with less people. Very sad to see such a interesting historical Place treated like that and as I already said i didn't feel safe at all. Cherry on top the price Is completely unjustified and the Crazy nationalistic self celebration in laughable, there is absolutely no reasons why the difference in price between foreigners and Turkish citizens should be that High. Shamefull to...

Derinkuyu Underground City — A Journey to the Center of the Earth

Descending into Derinkuyu felt like stepping through a portal into another world. At first, the entrance seemed modest, almost unremarkable — just a hole in the ground of Cappadocia. But as I made my way deeper through the narrow, cool tunnels, the sensation of going into the Earth’s core became undeniable.

Each step downward brought a growing sense of curiosity and wonder. It was impossible not to imagine the hundreds — maybe thousands — of people who once lived here, hidden away from the surface for months or even years, with their animals, food, and hopes. The very thought of an entire city carved out of volcanic rock, plunging eight levels and more than 60 meters deep, was astonishing.

With every softly lit chamber, my heartbeat quickened. There were storerooms, stables, kitchens, churches, and ventilation shafts, all perfectly designed for survival. This wasn’t just a shelter — it was a masterpiece of human engineering and resilience.

What amazed me most were the massive circular stone doors, used to seal off tunnels in times of danger — like stepping inside a fortress built beneath the ground.

In the damp, echoing silence, I felt a strange mix of awe and unease. There was something profoundly human about this place — fear, faith, and ingenuity all etched into the walls. And when I finally climbed back to the surface, the sunlight felt brighter than ever.

Visiting Derinkuyu wasn’t just sightseeing — it was a journey through history, courage, and the boundless creativity of those who once turned...