The Grape church has attracted attention throughout the country with its features. On the wall in front of the church apse, Jesus Christ is depicted in robes. At the top of the fairy chimney where the church was carved, there is a cell. It is rumored that St. Bichitas hid and lived in this cell for many years. There is also a cross made in relief on the ceiling of this cell. The chapel next to the church and the wine-making house opposite it are among the regions that should be visited together with the church.

St. Theodoros Trion church is a historical old church located in Derinkuyu district.

Uzumlu church is among the rare churches with its features. For this reason, it is visited by many people. It was named the Grape church because of the grape motifs in the church. The frescoes inside are remarkable. The frescoes inside are among the rare examples in Cappadocia because they belong to the pre-iconoclast period.

On the front of the Üzümlü church, there is a depiction of St. Seimeon with the description of the hermit’s ordeal. Inside, there are angels Gabriel and Mikhael next to Jesus and Mary in his lap. Uzumlu cChurch historical information is that it belongs to the pre-iconoclast period. It is one of the rare examples among the churches in Cappadocia. For this reason, those who come here for a trip are definitely recommended to visit this church.

The church is thought to belong to the 19th century. It was one of the important Greek settlements of the region. The church also has a bell tower. Cappadocia Uzumlu church was built during the reign of Abdülmecid Han according to the Reform Edict published in 1856.

It receives thousands of visitors every year by both local and foreign tourists. The church is not only architecturally impressive but also draws attention with the richness of the decorations and the paintings on the wall. Interest is high due to the high quality of the paintings. Uzumlu church structure was influenced by Seljuk architecture during its period.

Aziz Theodoros Trion Church Photos

Uzumlu church, which is located in Cappadocia churches, is located in red valley. After entering the red valley, you can reach the church of Uzumlu with the help of signposts. If you follow the paths on the road, it is possible to easily reach the church.

Uzumlu church transportation routes are wondered by people who want to visit. The route of those who want to go to this church will be better to search directly for red valley. Uzumlu church is located in Kızılçukur valley. After entering the red valley, you can easily reach the church by following the signs.

There are no visiting hours for the Grape Church.

Where is Uzumlu Church Map

Uzumlu Church Photos

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

The purposes behind the establishment of underground cities with different characteristics are still a subject of debate today. However, there is a general consensus for Özlüce Underground City. It is believed that the people constructed such solutions to protect themselves from attacks on the city. It is thought that they devised this solution to temporarily shield themselves from attacks and continue their lives safely. Defensive underground cities have various unique features, including rooms and floors with distinctive structures. Özlüce underground city is one such underground city located in Nevşehir, exhibiting its own unique features amidst the underground cities of Cappadocia.

Özlüce underground city is located on the Derinkuyu road in the province of Nevşehir, 6 km west of the town of Kaymaklı. Formerly known as Zile, the city is still referred to by this name. Özlüce has a significantly different structure compared to other underground cities, both geologically and architecturally. It is constructed from different types of tuff rocks. The interior has not been fully cleaned, and the city does not have a multi-story system, distinguishing it from other underground cities.

Other underground cities in Cappadocia consist of layered systems. The underground floors serve different purposes. However, it cannot be said that this system is used for Derinkuyu Underground City because it consists of a single floor. This underground city, which is single-story and quite spacious, has an entrance composed of two arched spaces made of basalt. Following this, it is possible to reach the tuff rock through a passage constructed with rubble stones and having a length of approximately 15 meters.

The stones at the entrance of the underground city are much newer compared to the tuff rock. At the end of the main tuff rock, there is a sliding stone with a diameter of approximately 1.5 meters made of granite. When entering the city, the main space encountered is one of the widest areas in the city. The entrance area, being the widest space, is divided into two parts. The right side of the space contains provisions, while the left side includes seating areas. There are cell-type rooms on the sides, and traps are also present in the lower sections. Due to the risk of collapse, it has not been fully cleaned. Therefore, it is not fully open to visits.

The most beautiful underground city, Özlüce underground city, is located in the village of Özlüce within Cappadocia. The village’s old name is Zile, and it is a typical Greek village, both small and charming. Despite the mix of old Greek houses and new buildings in the village, the warmth of the Greek houses is always felt. Tourists often visit Özlüce Village, especially to see the Church of the Holy Apostles.

Özlüce village used to have a significant Greek population when its name was “Zelia.” However, in later times, the name changed to “Zile.” In ancient times, Özlüce village was one of the holiest places in the region, especially during the Persian domination. In the early 1900s, with the arrival of Turks to the village, a mixed community was formed. At that time, there were 350 Greek houses compared to only 20 Turkish houses. It is even said that Turks used to work in the vineyards of Greeks to make a living during those times. Currently, Özlüce village has 300 houses and a total population of around 2000 people. Özlüce Underground City is also located here, featuring cell-type rooms and a unique structure without multiple levels. It is a city divided into two parts, living rooms, and provisions depots. Due to the risk of collapses, it is not possible to visit or enter the underground city. It has not yet been opened for public visits.

ned to visitors yet.

Cappadocia trips are incomplete without visiting the underground cities, which are among the most fascinating and eagerly explored sites for everyone. Each underground city has its unique features and beauties. There are a whopping 200 underground cities in the Cappadocia region alone. Therefore, it becomes nearly impossible not to explore and see these underground cities. Almost all the underground cities in Cappadocia are formed by carving into soft volcanic tuff downwards. While larger ones are referred to as underground cities, smaller ones are called underground villages, even though they can accommodate approximately 30,000 people.

Özlüce underground city is one of the extensive underground cities with distinctive features that set it apart from others. There are various underground cities in Cappadocia, such as Kaymaklı underground city, Öz Konak underground city, Derinkuyu, Acıgöl, and Tatlarin, each with its unique characteristics and a special place within.

Visiting these underground cities is a must for anyone exploring the enchanting region of Cappadocia.

Underground city is characterized by its intriguing features, including provisions depots, kitchens, and seating areas. One of the most fascinating areas in this multi-story city is the copper processing workshop, located on the 4th floor. The advanced production and processing areas highlight the considerable effort put into work in this city. There are numerous sections to explore within the city, making it the widest and, consequently, believed to have the largest population among other underground cities. It holds a significant place among the underground cities of Cappadocia.

The questions like “What is Derinkuyu like?” are often asked by those curious about underground cities. Derinkuyu Underground City is one of the most advanced cities of its kind. Located in Nevşehir, it is situated 29 km away from the city center. This city, consisting of a total of 8 floors, reaches a depth of 85 meters, making it of significant importance due to its substantial size. It even includes a missionary school within its depths, suggesting it was designed for long-term habitation.

One of the intriguing features of Derinkuyu is the ventilation shafts that descend to about 55 meters deep. Derinkuyu underground city is open to visitors. The legend of Derinkuyu underground city is certainly one of the noteworthy underground cities worth exploring.

Where is Ozluce Underground City Map

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

Cappadocia Places to Visit

Ozluce Underground City Photos

The Fairy Chimneys are formed by the erosion of tuff structures due to wind, rain, and floodwaters. These formations, shaped like towers, also have rocks on their tops. The question of “Where are the Fairy Chimneys?” is often asked. The fairy Chimneys are located in Cappadocia. They are one of the most significant formations that make this region unique. Transforming the area into a visual spectacle, these structures are visited by numerous people every year. Both local and foreign tourists flock to the region to witness these captivating formations.

The Cappadocia region has many fairy chimneys to visit and see. The fairy chimneys are not all located in the same place within the region. There are fairy chimneys of varying beauty in many places in Cappadocia, and churches or living areas within or around them. You can explore Cappadocia’s sights in different ways by participating in activities in the region.
Hot air balloon tours are an incredible alternative for those who want to see the region from above. In addition, touring the region by ATV or jeep and having fun while exploring are among the most logical options. ATV tours are among the most logical options in this regard. Cappadocia Quad bike tour are the best option for your quick trips.

The fairy chimneys in the Cappadocia region have become a subject of curiosity for many, leading to questions about their formation. These formations, which offer a visual feast in Cappadocia, were created as a result of natural events. Active volcanoes in geological times revealed these formations. About 60 million years ago, during the 3rd geological period, the rise of the Taurus mountains, caused by the compression of the Anatolian fault in the north, activated the volcanoes in the region. Mountains like Erciyes, Güllüdağ, and Hasandağ, with their snowy structures, were active volcanoes that erupted about 10 million years ago. Cappadocia was an inland sea during that period, as indicated by the presence of fossilized marine creatures in archaeological excavations.

Volcanic activity started 10 million years ago with the Upper Miocene and continued erupting until about 2 million years ago in the Pliocene. The volcanoes descended to the plateaus, drying up the inland sea, lakes, and rivers. A layer of tuff, about 100-150 meters thick, formed on the dried surface. This layer consists of volcanic ash, clay, sandstone, clay, and basalt. In some areas, rocks are hard, while in others, they are soft enough to be carved. Over time, this layer has undergone changes due to factors such as rivers and wind. Descending from the slopes of the valleys, floods, the Kızılırmak River, and wind have brought about this transformation. Due to the scarcity of vegetation and the impermeability of the tuff layers, floods have intensified, persistently trying to carve a path between hard rocks. The hard rocks have cracked and split under the force of raging waters, leaving behind valleys with deep undulations. Nature’s artistry on this terrain is seen in this way. The Fairy Chimneys, created by natural forces and unique in the world, are always a focal point of interest for their exceptional formation.

Those curious about the formation of fairy chimneys can examine their history. The boundaries of Cappadocia were first drawn during the Roman Antiquity and mapped by the geographer Strabo, who lived within the Roman Ancient Period. These boundaries extend south to the Taurus mountains, north to the coastline of the Eastern Black Sea, west to Aksaray, and east to Malatya. The history of fairy chimneys covers a vast area, and the region, known as Cappadocia today, includes the provinces of Aksaray, Niğde, Nevşehir, Kırşehir, and Kayseri.

The history of fairy chimneys can also be referred to as the history of Cappadocia. Cappadocia has witnessed various civilizations from the formation of fairy chimneys to the present day. They are the natural buildings of the region, and the interiors of fairy chimneys began to be carved during the Paleolithic period when the first human settlements occurred. After the era of the Hittites, in the 3rd century, they were created for the first Christians to freely practice their beliefs. Fairy Chimneys were designed as places where individuals could perform their worship and sustain their lives. Until the arrival of the Seljuks in the 11th and 12th centuries, Cappadocia experienced many different resistances and invasions.

Due to their structure of tuff, fairy chimneys have been gradually carved and expanded over each period. Some of them, even used as churches, had frescoes painted on their interiors, depicting the stories of that era. Due to its unique structure and historical texture, Fairy chimneys are now visited by people in large numbers. They are chosen for various holidays, including honeymoons, due to their distinctive features and historical significance.

The Fairy Chimneys have a legend and story. A long time ago, in Göreme, there lived a hardworking villager who, in the twilight of his life, wanted to go to his field early during harvest time. However, due to his weakened strength, he collapsed at the base of a fairy chimney. He lamented that the wind and birds could destroy his efforts while also expressing regret. While saddened and crying, he saw many fairies inside the Fairy Chimneys carrying torches. The fairies had harvested and transported the crops from the old man’s field to the storage sheds.

They completed the work before dawn and then disappeared. The old man initially thought he had dreamed it, but it turned out to be a reward for his years of hard work. Since that day, fairies always came to his aid in all his tasks. Although the other villagers wondered how an old man with a weak back and legs could complete all his work, they never learned the truth. One day, the old man died with his secret, but the Fairy Chimneys, in their silence, always kept this secret hidden.

Individuals who wish to visit Fairy Chimneys are researching directions for Fairy Chimneys. After reaching Nevşehir, it is possible to reach the Cappadocia region with buses departing from the city center. For those coming by private vehicles, there are easy directions from Istanbul to Cappadocia. First, one should reach Ankara and then proceed through the directions of Kırıkkale, Kırşehir, and Nevşehir. This way, it is possible to reach the region through a very short route. There are many tours organized with a guide. With the fairy chimneys tour, you can both explore and obtain detailed information about its history.

There are numerous activities to be done in fairy chimneys. Therefore, individuals can accomplish each activity in the region with the existing tours. With guided tours, Fairy Chimneys can be explored in an organized manner without wasting time, and all possible activities can be experienced. Participating in daily tours allows individuals to gain detailed information from professional guides. Additionally, there is an option to join the fairy chimneys ATV tour. These tours offer the opportunity to explore the valleys in Cappadocia with ATV rides.

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

Cappadocia Places to Visit
Cappadocia fairy chimney

Fairy Chimneys Cappadocia Photos

You can find answers to all the questions you wonder about underground city by joining the daily sightseeing tours in the region. You can also get information about everything you are curious about with the guide who will show you around the region. At the end of a perfect day in Ihlara valley, you can visit this underground city and encounter a different experience.

The underground city, which is connected to Nevşehir Derinkuyu district, is later named as Derinkuyu underground city. Derinkuyu Underground City, which is the largest and most visited underground city in Cappadocia, is approximately 35 km from Göreme. This underground city in Derinkuyu district is actually a unique work considering the architectural and technological possibilities of the period. Discovered in 1967, it is known that this underground city became a living space during the periods when christianity began to spread.

The answer to the question of how to get to Derinkuyu underground city is quite simple. For this region, which you can easily reach by following the highway between Nevşehir and Niğde; Nevşehir-Derinkuyu is 30 km. The distance between Niğde and Derinkuyu is 50 km. For those who go by private car, it is enough to mark the Derinkuyu district of Nevşehir province or you can easily reach it using the location below.

Although there is no exact date, it is thought that the ancient Christians settled in Derinkuyu underground city in the 3000s BC, and the most intensely used period is Byzantine. While traces of Assyrian colonies are found in underground city, it is known that the first settlers here were christians who escaped from Roman persecution and came to Kayseri and then to Cappadocia. It is also known that underground city, which does not have an easy entrance, protected christians from both Romans and Arab raiders at that time. When you watch the Derinkuyu underground city documentary, you can see that these topics are covered.

While there was no settlement in the Derinkuyu region until the 1830s, this underground city, which was discovered by chance in 1963, was opened to visitors in 1967. Derinkuyu underground city, which takes its name from dozens of drinking wells with an average depth of 70 meters, was cleaned 8 floors and opened to visitors. The depth of these 8 floors that can be visited reaches 50 meters. It is thought that if all floors of Derinkuyu underground city are cleaned, it can reach up to 13 floors and its depth can be 85 meters. In other words, if you do a research on how many meters Cappadocia underground city is, you can access this information we share and see that an average depth of 85 meters is mentioned.

The most important point to know about Derinkuyu underground city; Before visiting the 8 floors open to visitors, it is necessary to pass through tunnels as narrow as 5 meters. For this reason, it should not be forgotten that people with fear of enclosed spaces may have difficulty. But since Nevşehir Derinkuyu underground city is a truly mysterious region, it is almost in the first place among the must-see places in Cappadocia.

Derinkuyu underground city is one of the must-see places in the region that really preserves its mystery. After moving 5 meters along the corridor-shaped entrance, visitors who reach the 1st floor will notice areas such as living rooms, winery, kitchen and barn.

As of the first floor, it is not yet known how such an area was built under the conditions of the period. You may also be surprised once again after seeing that the masterfully sculpted underground city is ventilated by extremely beautiful air ducts. On the other hand, when you reach the second floor, you can see stables and kitchens, as well as food stores and living rooms. The center of the ventilation shafts is located on the 3rd floor. On the 3rd floor, after visiting the Missionary school, confessionals, the church built in the shape of a cross and the cemetery, you can reach the 4th floor by following the 12-meter high ceiling.

Visitors who reach the fourth floor of Derinkuyu underground city will encounter a dungeon here. Protected by torch-bearing guards, this floor is actually the area where the need for security is maximized. Because the shelters are also built on the 4th floor. Cemeteries, cisterns, water wells and, of course, vents are also seen on the fourth floor.

While descending to the 5th floor via the staircase, visitors will encounter a new ventilation shaft and will also have the chance to see a tunnel landing coming from the 3rd floor. Immediately after the ventilation shaft, there is a different tunnel leading down to the 7th floor. This tunnel forms the 6th floor. There are 5 different rooms carved out in the tunnel, 2 of these rooms have doors and the other 3 doors have a control room to control the exit. It is useful to make a reminder for visitors. As of the 5th floor, it should be noted that visitors may have some difficulty. Because the narrow tunnels that only one person can pass through start after the fifth floor.

When you reach the seventh floor, you will reach the largest area of Derinkuyu Underground City. While there is a cemetery and a meeting room, there is also a church and a water well. On the 8th floor, which is the last floor open to visitors, there is a room with a ventilation chimney. The tunnels of Derinkuyu underground city, each floor of which has a different beauty, are actually designed so that 1 person can easily pass through. However, even a single person may have difficulty traveling between floors at some points. Human-sized cylinder stones prepared to protect the city from strangers attract all the attention in this underground city. Moreover, the oldest known mental hospital in history is thought to be here. This need was met by pouring linseed oil into the cavities to illuminate the Derinkuyu Underground City.

In 2024, the Underground City entrance fee has been updated to 100 TL. It is thought that this figure will be 100 TL in 2024. Once you arrive in the region, you can instantly access up-to-date information on this subject. Since it is a place within the Ministry of culture and Tourism, you can enter the museum with a card.

8 floors of this underground city, which is thought to have a total depth of 85 meters, are open to visitors. There are different rooms, meeting rooms, churches and similar structures on these floors.

Where is Derinkuyu Underground City Map

Derinkuyu Underground City Photos