Kaymakli Underground City — Attraction in Kaymaklı Beldesi

Kaymakli Underground City is a journey into the depths of history, an astonishing example of ancient engineering and human resilience. Nestled within the citadel of Kaymakli in Turkey's Cappadocia region, this site reveals a sprawling subterranean world where civilizations sought refuge and built a life hidden from sight.

As we descended into the cool, dim tunnels, I was transported back to the 8th century BC, when the Phrygians first carved these caves from volcanic rock. Over the centuries, the complex evolved, shaped by the needs of Cappadocian Greeks, Byzantines, and later communities who used it as a sanctuary against invasions and religious persecution. Through its narrow, steep passages and lower ceilings, Kaymakli differs from Derinkuyu, yet its labyrinthine design and ingenuity leave one equally mesmerized.

The first level introduces visitors to a stable with a passageway that leads to a church, its millstone door a reminder of the ancient need for protection. Further down, the second level opens into a church, complete with a nave, apses, and a baptismal font—a quiet space for worship hidden beneath the earth. On the third floor, one finds storage areas, wine presses, and kitchens, while the fourth level’s numerous storage spaces and clay jar areas suggest a flourishing underground economy capable of supporting a sizable community.

One of the highlights is the andesite block, ingeniously used to hammer copper. The stone, hewn from an andesite layer, with fifty-seven carved holes, reflects the resourcefulness of those who lived here. Each floor, every ventilation shaft, and carefully structured room speaks to the thoughtful design needed to sustain life underground.

Kaymakli is more than just an archaeological site; it’s a silent testament to the human spirit’s adaptability. Even today, parts of this complex remain in use as storage and cellars, linking the ancient past to the present. As part of my Green Tour, entry was included (standard ticket price for foreigners is EUR 13), and every step of the journey felt like peeling back layers of history. This remarkable underground city is a must-visit for those eager to understand the resilience and creativity of ancient...

Interesting place, but it must be avoided by those experiencing back or knee pain, different degrees of claustrophobia, as well as those who are significantly overweight, since part of the itinerary includes very narrow, low tunnels. There are many underground cities in the country, but only a small number can be visited; this city is one of the most representative- it's estimated that around 2,000 souls inhabited the city in the later days and the complex included all the places deemed essential for living: chapel, cemetery, winery, kitchen, living rooms etc. Other factors to consider (which made me score it lower): 1) although it contains several vertical galleries, only one section is currently open to visitors and for four levels only (the rest of the galleries/ levels either being collapsed or not deemed safe for turism); 2) until the first decades of the 20th century, people continued to use these cities for storage, which gradually affected the interior, some things or tools were removed or lost, and with them part of the place's history has been erased forever. 3) the site is currently under the aegis of UNESCO WH, which gives us a (false) sense of protection, but you can still see little signs of "affection" (i.e. A+B =LOVE) here and there, which contrasts with the general apperance of mistery and old history...All things considered, it is a unique place, it's truly impressive to see what people were able to achieve with rudimentary tools and techniques and a LOT of hard work. All driven by religious beliefs, fear (of enemies, particularly romans) and hope (for better days). I did not visit any other underground city, thus I have no benchmark, but I recommend...

Kaymaklı Underground City in Turkey is not just a tourist destination; it's a portal to a hidden ancient world, only rediscovered in 1964. The thought that this sprawling subterranean network once housed an entire civilization is nothing short of mind-blowing. The city’s complex system of tunnels, doors, and ingeniously designed traps speaks volumes about the ingenuity and resourcefulness of its former inhabitants.

Exploring Kaymaklı is like walking through a live history book. Each narrow passage and carved-out room offers a glimpse into the past, showing how people lived, stored food, and protected themselves from invaders. The experience is immersive and awe-inspiring, making it a must-visit for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.

However, a word of caution: this is not a place for everyone. If you are claustrophobic or have mobility issues, particularly bad knees, the cramped and often steep passages might prove challenging. The site demands a fair amount of bending and climbing, so it’s essential to be physically prepared.

In terms of cost, like many attractions in Turkey, the admission fee for foreigners is higher than for locals. However, at 100 Turkish Lira (approximately $5-6 USD), the price feels reasonable for such a unique and historically significant site. Despite the higher cost for international visitors, the value of experiencing Kaymaklı Underground City firsthand is immense.

For those who are up for the physical challenge, Kaymaklı offers an unforgettable adventure into the depths of ancient human ingenuity and survival. It’s a vivid reminder of what humans are capable of creating, and a unique historical treasure not to be missed during your...