Kaymakli Underground City

Kaymaklı underground city is among the must-visit places in Cappadocia. It is a destination for both individual travelers with their own vehicles and visitors on guided tours. It should be noted that the underground city is intertwined with culture and history. It is worth mentioning that this area, accompanied by breathtaking scenery, is truly an exciting place to explore. Kaymaklı underground city has become a favorite for both foreign and local tourists throughout the year, and it is known for its mysterious route. This region, offering unique natural beauty, has always sparked curiosity. During Cappadocia tours, visitors explore the underground cities and gain extensive knowledge about the region. The city has been restored and preserved to the present day. In the continuation of our article, you can find detailed information about the history of Kaymaklı, including the entrance fee to the underground city.

The formation of the underground city dates back to around 3000 BCE, boasting a development process spanning approximately 1500 years. This underground city reveals traces of various civilizations, including the Phrygians, Assyrians, Hittites, and Byzantines. Additionally, historical records indicate that during the times when Christianity was widespread, Muslim Arabs occupied this region, exposing it to numerous conflicts and wars.

Following the decline of Hittite rule in the region, Kaymaklı experienced Persian occupation and later became a province of the Roman Empire. Consequently, while Kaymaklı has many structures, the underground cities take precedence. Despite historical alterations during the Arab invasion, the Seljuks and subsequently the Ottomans enriched the historical treasures of Kaymaklı.

The primary contributor to the formation of underground cities is undoubtedly volcanic eruptions. The lava and ashes resulting from these eruptions led to the formation of soft tuff layers. Subsequent erosion turned these layers into a valley, ultimately shaping the Kaymaklı underground city.

Kaymaklı underground city is located 21 km away from Nevşehir. Situated on the Ihlara road, this underground city, named after Kaymaklı, still bears traces of various civilizations. It is important to note that this underground city, located 25 km from Göreme, is among the must-visit places in Cappadocia.

The distance of the region to Ürgüp is 31.7 km, to Avanos is 36.2 km, and to Uçhisar is 25.3 km.

Kaymaklı underground city entrance fee is 50 TL. This underground city welcomes visitors at different times throughout the year. From April to October, it is open for visits between 8 am and 7 pm. During November to March, it can be visited between 8 am and 5 pm.

Kaymaklı underground is spread across a highly mysterious area. Those who wish to explore the underground city will descend to a depth of 100 meters starting from the 4th floor. It should be noted that Kaymaklı Underground City, with its extremely large area, had the capacity to accommodate around 5000 people. As an eight-story structure, individuals with panic attacks or claustrophobia may want to reconsider visiting this place.

In this mysterious underground city, numerous triangular niches can be found. These niches are illuminated by placing lamps and lanterns. The “Bezirhane,” named after the bezir oil used in the lamps, is also constructed underground. Additionally, when exploring Kaymaklı underground city, it is essential not to venture outside the marked areas. Going beyond these marked areas may lead visitors to encounter various issues. Red arrows indicate descent, while blue arrows indicate ascent, and following these signs is crucial. The marking of the underground city is intended to prevent the fear of getting lost.

Some visitors might be concerned about ventilation, but it’s important to note that Kaymaklı Underground City has a well-crafted main ventilation system with numerous ventilation holes providing sufficient air circulation inside.

Due to animal husbandry being the most significant source of livelihood in historical periods, the first floor of Kaymaklı underground city was utilized as a stable. Since transporting animals to other floors was challenging, stables are primarily found on the first floor.

When reaching the second floor of Underground City, visitors should be aware that they will encounter a graveyard, baptismal fonts, and a church. Alongside the church, the “sürgü taşı” (sliding stone) is one of the notable structures here. The purpose of the sliding stone in that era was to control foreigners entering the underground city. Moreover, the fact that the sliding stone weighs an average of 500 kg demonstrates how functionally equipped it was.

Underground City spans an average length of 10 km. Connected to Derinkuyu Underground City, this structure was constructed with numerous labyrinths and tunnels to protect the local population. Therefore, those who visit Kaymaklı Underground City will witness an extremely mysterious journey.

On the 3rd floor of Underground City, there are areas for grape juice production (“şıra haneler”), a dining area, and a wine cellar. The “şıra hane” is the space where wheat and flour were stored. The 3rd floor, built wider than other levels, is remarkably durable, as andesite was used here for crushing copper ore.

The most thrilling level of Kaymaklı underground city is the 4th floor, where the tunnels are quite low. These tunnels were designed to slow down intruders during defense and warfare. Beyond the tunnel, you reach an area containing a kitchen, food storage, and a tandoor, showcasing the ingenuity and mystery of the well-designed tunnel.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaymakli_Underground_City

Kaymakli Underground City Photos