Imagine discovering a secret passage in your basement that leads you to an ancient underground city that can house 20,000 people. Sounds like a plot of a fantasy novel, right? Well, that's exactly what happened to a man in Turkey in 1963, when he stumbled upon Derinkuyu Underground City, the largest and deepest subterranean city in Cappadocia.
Derinkuyu Underground City is a marvel of engineering and history, dating back to thousands of years ago. It is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the people who built and lived in it, as well as a source of mystery and wonder for the visitors who explore it today.
If you are planning a trip to Cappadocia, Turkey, you should not miss the opportunity to visit Derinkuyu Underground City and experience its unique charm and beauty. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Derinkuyu Underground City, from its discovery and history to its architecture and attractions, as well as some practical tips and recommendations for your visit.
How Derinkuyu Underground City Was Discovered
Derinkuyu Underground City was not always known to the world. In fact, it was hidden for centuries, until a man decided to renovate his house in 1963 and found a mysterious tunnel behind a wall in his basement. Curious, he followed the tunnel and discovered a vast network of rooms, corridors, and chambers that stretched for miles underground.
He had just uncovered Derinkuyu Underground City, the largest of the 200 underground cities in Cappadocia, Turkey. The city was so well-preserved and complex that it took decades of archaeological and scientific research to map and understand its structure and function. Even today, there are still many unanswered questions and secrets about Derinkuyu Underground City and its inhabitants.
Who built Derinkuyu Underground City and why? How did they manage to create such a sophisticated and elaborate city underground? How did they survive and thrive in such a harsh and isolated environment? These are some of the mysteries that you can try to unravel as you explore Derinkuyu Underground City.
How Derinkuyu Underground City Was Built and Used
Derinkuyu Underground City is a masterpiece of engineering and design, carved out of the soft volcanic rock called tuff that forms the landscape of Cappadocia. The city consists of 18 levels, reaching a depth of 85 meters, and can accommodate up to 20,000 people. It has everything that a city needs, such as living quarters, kitchens, storerooms, stables, churches, schools, wineries, and even a hospital.
The city also has an ingenious ventilation system that provides fresh air to all the levels, as well as a water supply system that prevents flooding and contamination. The city is also equipped with security features, such as stone doors that can be closed from the inside, and traps and pitfalls that can deter invaders.
Derinkuyu Underground City was built and used by different civilizations and communities over the course of history, dating back to the Hittites in the 15th century BC. The city served as a refuge and a stronghold for the people who faced persecution, invasion, or natural disasters. The city was especially used by the early Christians, who fled from the Roman Empire and practiced their faith in secret. The city was also connected to other underground cities and above-ground settlements by tunnels and passages, creating a network of communication and trade.
Derinkuyu Underground City is a living museum that showcases the history and culture of Cappadocia and its people. You can see the traces of their lives and beliefs in the artifacts and symbols that they left behind, such as the cross-shaped church, the baptismal pool, the grape press, and the millstone.
How to Visit Derinkuyu Underground City
Derinkuyu Underground City is a must-see attraction for anyone who visits Cappadocia, Turkey. It is a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave you amazed and inspired. Here are some practical tips and recommendations for your visit:
- How to get there: Derinkuyu Underground City is located in the town of Derinkuyu, about 40 kilometers south of Goreme, the main tourist hub of Cappadocia. You can get there by car, bus, taxi, or tour. If you are driving, you can follow the signs to Derinkuyu from Nevsehir or Nigde. If you are taking a bus, you can catch one from Goreme, Urgup, or Nevsehir. If you are taking a taxi, you can negotiate the fare with the driver. If you are taking a tour, you can book one from any travel agency in Cappadocia or online. A tour usually includes a guide, transportation, and entrance fees to Derinkuyu Underground City and other nearby attractions.
- When to go: Derinkuyu Underground City is open every day from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm in summer and from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm in winter. The best time to go is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the crowds are smaller and the temperature is cooler. The city can get very crowded and hot during peak hours and seasons, so avoid going during weekends, holidays, or festivals.
- What to wear: Derinkuyu Underground City is a dark and damp place, with uneven and slippery floors and low ceilings. Therefore, you should wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, preferably with rubber soles. You should also wear layers of clothing that you can easily adjust according to the temperature, which can vary from 10 to 18 degrees Celsius. You should also bring a flashlight, a hat, and a bottle of water. You can also rent a helmet and a cloak at the entrance for a small fee.
- What to expect: Derinkuyu Underground City is a fascinating and thrilling place to explore, but it is not for the faint-hearted or the claustrophobic. The city is very large and complex, with many narrow and steep passages and stairs. You should be prepared to walk, climb, crawl, and bend for about an hour or more, depending on how much you want to see. You should also be aware of your surroundings and follow the signs and directions of the guides and staff. You should not wander off or touch anything that is not allowed. You should also respect the rules and regulations of the site, such as not smoking, not littering, and not making noise.
- What to see: Derinkuyu Underground City has 18 levels, but only 8 of them are open to the public. The rest are either closed for safety reasons or reserved for archaeological research. The open levels are:
- Level 1: The entrance, the reception hall, the stables, and the storage rooms
- Level 2: The church, the school, the baptismal pool, and the communal rooms
- Level 3: The winery, the kitchen, the dining hall, and the ventilation shafts
- Level 4: The hospital, the pharmacy, the surgery room, and the quarantine room
- Level 5: The water well, the water tank, the water channels, and the water filters
- Level 6: The defense system, the stone doors, the traps, and the pitfalls
- Level 7: The tunnel to Kaymakli Underground City, another underground city 10 kilometers away
- Level 8: The deepest level, at 85 meters below the surface, with a large circular hall and a small chamber
You can see all these levels with a guide or on your own, but we recommend taking a guide who can explain the history and function of each level and point out the interesting features and details. You can also ask questions and learn more about Derinkuyu Underground City from a guide.
Other Places to Visit Near Derinkuyu Underground City
Derinkuyu Underground City is not the only attraction in Cappadocia, Turkey. There are many other places to visit and things to do in this magical region, such as:
- Kaymakli Underground City: Another underground city that is connected to Derinkuyu Underground City by a tunnel. It is smaller but older than Derinkuyu Underground City, and has 4 levels open to the public. It is also less crowded and more authentic than Derinkuyu Underground City.
- Ihlara Valley: A beautiful valley that is carved by the Melendiz River and surrounded by volcanic rock formations. It is also home to many rock-cut churches and monasteries that date back to the Byzantine era. You can hike, bike, or raft along the valley and enjoy the scenery and the history.
- Selime Monastery: A stunning monastery that is carved out of a rock hill at the end of the Ihlara Valley. It is the largest religious complex in Cappadocia, and has many rooms, chapels, and frescoes that reflect the Christian heritage of the region. You can climb to the top of the monastery and enjoy the panoramic view of the valley and the fairy chimneys.
Goreme Open Air Museum: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the best examples of the rock-cut churches and monasteries in Cappadocia. It has more than 10 churches that date from the 10th to the 13th centuries, and are decorated with colorful and well-preserved frescoes that depict the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. You can also see the living quarters, kitchens, and tombs of the monks and nuns who lived there.
Hot Air Balloon Ride: One of the most popular and unforgettable activities in Cappadocia is to take a hot air balloon ride over the fairy-tale landscape. You can soar above the valleys, the rock formations, the underground cities, and the villages, and witness the sunrise and the sunset from a different perspective. You can also enjoy a champagne toast and a certificate after your flight. You can book a hot air balloon ride from any travel agency in Cappadocia or online, but make sure to book in advance and check the weather conditions before you go.
Conclusion
Derinkuyu Underground City is a hidden gem of Cappadocia that will take you on a journey through time and space. It is a place where you can marvel at the human creativity and courage, as well as the natural beauty and diversity of Cappadocia. It is a place that you will never forget and always want to return to. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tour to Derinkuyu Underground City today and discover its secrets and wonders for yourself.
