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Underground cities near Goreme

Beneath the iconic fairy-chimney landscape of Cappadocia lies a hidden world of subterranean ingenuity: the ancient underground cities carved into the volcanic rock around Göreme Valley. These multi-level shelters were built for protection, survival, and community-living, offering an extraordinary and largely underground dimension to the region’s cultural heritage.

Although most of the valleys and surface caves of Cappadocia get the spotlight, the underground networks are equally fascinating. Read more to get an overview of what these underground cities are, why they were built, and a summary of the most accessible ones that lie in the region surrounding Goreme.

What is an “Underground City” and why were they built?

Underground city passageways and rock formations in Cappadocia, Turkey.
  • In the Cappadocia context, an underground city is a carved, multi-level settlement, dug into the soft tuff rock, complete with living quarters, storage rooms, stables, ventilation shafts and tunnels connecting different levels.
  • Ventilation shafts, rolling stone doors, narrow tunnels and deep levels are common features. While there are around 200 such subterranean cities in the greater Cappadocia region, only a handful are open for regular visitors.
  • They are full subterranean complexes meant to shelter large groups of people for extended periods in times of danger. For example: the site at Derinkuyu Underground City is estimated to have housed up to 20,000 people with their livestock.
  • They were built for defensive purposes, to provide refuge from invaders, raids or harsh weather conditions.
  • These cities also offered religious and communal safety during times of persecution (particularly early Christian centuries) in underground hidden places of worship and living.

Key underground cities near Goreme

Maze of caves in Derinkuyu Underground City, Cappadocia, with stone walls and passageways.

Derinkuyu Underground City

Derinkuyu is the deepest underground city in Cappadocia, descending nearly 85 meters. It once sheltered thousands with kitchens, stables, churches, and ventilation shafts. Visitors can explore its maze-like tunnels and marvel at the city’s complex multi-level engineering and defensive design.

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Man exploring Kaymakli Underground City in Cappadocia, Turkey.

Kaymakli Underground City

Kaymakli is one of Cappadocia’s most accessible underground cities, known for its wide tunnels and organized layout. Carved into soft volcanic rock, it features ancient storage areas, wineries, and ventilation shafts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s hidden underground life.

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Visitor exploring Ozkonak Underground City cave with stone walls and natural light.

Ozkonak Underground City

Ozkonak stands out for its unique communication holes and trap systems used for defense. Smaller than Derinkuyu or Kaymakli, it offers an intimate look at Cappadocia’s underground living spaces, with preserved kitchens, cellars, and ventilation channels carved into volcanic tuff.

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Mazi undergrround city

Mazi Underground City

Mazi, near Kaymakli, is quieter and less crowded, offering a more adventurous feel. Visitors can explore long tunnels, stables, and wineries that reveal how early settlers lived in secrecy. Its natural setting and fewer tourists make it a hidden gem.

Person exploring an underground chamber in Cappadocia's ancient city.

Tatlarin Underground City

Tatlarin impresses with its large halls, arched ceilings, and well-preserved frescoes. Believed to have been used by monks or soldiers, it offers a glimpse into religious life underground. The site’s layout and height make it especially photogenic and atmospheric.

Gaziemir Underground City passageway with carved stone walls, Turkey.

Gaziemir Underground City

Gaziemir is unique for its underground caravanserai and wine production facilities. Combining both domestic and commercial spaces, it highlights how people once traded and lived beneath the surface. The vast chambers and stables showcase remarkable architectural adaptation to life underground.

Key takeaways & tips to visit Goreme underground cities

  • There are many subterranean cities beneath Cappadocia’s surface, some 200+ known, though only a fraction are open to visitors. These cities were built for defence, survival, and communal living, not merely novelty.
  • The major Goreme underground cities are Derinkuyu, Kaymakli, Ozkonak, Mazi, Tatlarin, and Gaziemir, each offering distinct experiences.
  • Most underground cities in Cappadocia can be visited on guided day tours from Goreme, Urgup, or Uchisar. These tours typically include hotel pickup, entry tickets, and a professional guide who explains the history and layout of each site.
  • If you’re short on time, combine one underground city with nearby attractions, such as Avanos, Ihlara Valley, or Zelve Open-Air Museum, for a balanced day of sightseeing above and below ground.
  • Independent visitors can drive or take local minibuses, but note that Derinkuyu and Kaymakli are the most accessible, with facilities, signage, and regular tour stops. Smaller sites like Mazi, Tatlarin, and Gaziemir offer a quieter, less commercial experience.
Maze of caves with stairs inside Derinkuyu Underground City, Turkey.
Check out the most popular underground city in Cappadocia on a guided tour

Full-day curated guided tours of the underground city of Derinkuyu include transfers, guidance from experts, lunch, entry to the monuments, and exploring other landmarks nearby. It's hassle-free and well-planned, so you don't have to worry about a thing.

Maze of caves in Derinkuyu Underground City, Cappadocia, with illuminated passageways.
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Frequently asked questions about Cappadocia underground cities

How many underground cities are there around Goreme or Cappadocia?

Archaeologists estimate there are around 200 hidden underground cities across the greater Cappadocia region. Only a few are excavated and open to the public, but the network beneath this volcanic landscape remains one of the most fascinating archaeological discoveries in Turkey.

Can I visit all of them?

No, only a handful of ancient underground cities in Turkey are safe and accessible. Popular sites such as Derinkuyu, Kaymakli, Özkonak, Mazi, Tatlarin, and Gaziemir are open, while others remain closed for preservation or still await excavation.

Are Cappadocia’s underground cities safe and easy to explore?

Yes, the main Cappadocia underground city sites are well-lit, managed, and safe for visitors. Some tunnels are narrow or have low ceilings, so those with mobility issues or claustrophobia should take extra care.

Which is the best underground city in Cappadocia to visit?

If you have limited time, visit Derinkuyu Underground City, the largest and most dramatic, or Kaymakli Underground City, which offers easier access and wider passages. Travelers looking for quieter exploration can try Mazi, one of the hidden underground cities near Goreme.

Do I need a guide to visit these ancient underground cities?

Hiring a local guide is highly recommended. Guides share fascinating stories about how people once lived underground, highlight key features, and help you navigate the complex tunnels of each ancient underground city in Turkey.

What’s the best time to visit Cappadocia’s underground cities?

Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds. Off-season months (October to April) offer cooler temperatures and a more peaceful atmosphere underground.

Where can I find these underground cities on a map?

You can spot them on most Turkey underground city maps. The majority lie south of Goreme, within short driving distance, making it easy to combine several sites in one day.

Why were these ancient underground cities built?

These vast subterranean networks were built for defense, survival, and religious refuge. Communities used them to hide during invasions, store food, and live safely underground, a testament to the ingenuity of ancient civilizations in central Turkey.

Is there an underground city found recently in Turkey?

Yes, new sections and smaller underground cities found in Turkey continue to emerge through ongoing excavations, revealing even deeper layers of Cappadocia’s mysterious underground world.