Buried beneath the rolling hills of Cappadocia lies Kaymakli Underground City, a stunning testament to human ingenuity and survival. Renowned as one of the most famous Cappadocia underground cities, it captivates visitors with its intricate tunnels, unique architecture, and rich history. Whether you’re exploring for the first time or seeking to deepen your knowledge, this guide has everything you need—from Kaymakli history to practical Kaymakli visitor tips, tours, and more.

Key Takeaways

• Kaymakli Underground City dates back to the Phrygians and served as a refuge for early Christians, showcasing advanced planning and design.
• Its intricate network of tunnels, ventilation shafts, and communal areas highlights ingenious ancient engineering.
• Tickets cost around €5, and the city is open year-round with seasonal hours. Arrive early to avoid crowds.
• Four levels are open to visitors, featuring stables, kitchens, worship areas, and defense mechanisms.
• Wear sturdy shoes, bring a flashlight, and be prepared for narrow spaces and stairs.

How do you visit Kaymakli Underground City?

To visit Kaymakli Underground City, head 20km south of Nevşehir in Cappadocia. The site is open daily, with tickets priced around €5. Guided tours are available to enhance the experience. Visitors can explore four accessible levels featuring stables, living quarters, and communal spaces. It’s recommended to arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a flashlight for dimly lit areas.

Historical Background

Kaymakli Underground City dates back to the 8th–7th century BCE, likely built by the Phrygians. Over centuries, the city expanded, becoming a haven for early Christians fleeing persecution. With eight levels carved into volcanic rock (four open to visitors), its chambers include kitchens, churches, stables, and living spaces.

What makes Kaymakli history remarkable is its dual purpose: sanctuary and self-sustained living. The city features ventilation shafts, communal storage areas, and secure trapdoors—demonstrating advanced planning for both daily life and defense.

If you’re curious about how Kaymakli architecture allowed it to thrive, here’s a hint: volcanic tuff rock is easy to carve yet durable, ensuring long-term stability. Unlike other Cappadocia underground cities, Kaymakli’s design emphasizes efficient use of space, creating a sense of community even underground.

Architectural Features

The Kaymakli architecture reveals a complex network of interconnected rooms and passageways, showcasing remarkable ancient engineering. Visitors will find:

• Living Quarters: Compact rooms designed for families.
• Ventilation Shafts: Essential for airflow in a subterranean city.
• Security Features: Rolling stone doors that sealed off areas during attacks.
• Communal Areas: Spaces for worship, cooking, and storage.

What sets Kaymakli Underground City apart is its balance between functionality and comfort, a rarity in ancient underground constructions. Guided Kaymakli tours often highlight these features, explaining their historical significance in detail.

Visitor Information

Planning your trip to Kaymakli Underground City? Here’s everything you need to know:

Location and Directions:

Located 20km south of Nevşehir, Kaymakli directions are straightforward. Most visitors arrive via bus or guided tours from Göreme or Ürgüp.

Kaymakli Tickets and Opening Hours:

• Tickets: Approx. €5 for adults. Guided tours may charge extra. Buy Kaymakli Underground City skip-the-line ticket
• Hours: Open daily, 8:00 AM–7:00 PM in summer; 8:00 AM–5:00 PM in winter.

Best Time to Visit:

Early mornings or weekdays offer fewer crowds, enhancing your experience of exploring the tunnels and rooms.

Exploring the City

Kaymaklı Underground City offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient life beneath the surface. With four accessible levels open to visitors, it’s an immersive journey through history, showcasing unique features that highlight the ingenuity of its builders. Each level has distinct purposes and stories to tell, making exploration a captivating experience.

Levels of Kaymaklı

1. Ground Floor: The entrance level houses stables, storage rooms, and a large communal area. These spaces were vital for keeping livestock safe and storing food supplies for the community. Look for tethering holes carved into the rock walls, a testament to the practical design of the city.
2. First Level: This level contains living spaces and kitchens. The soot-stained ceilings of the kitchens are evidence of daily life, where fires burned to prepare meals. Communal living areas provided space for families, fostering a sense of togetherness even underground.
3. Second Level: A highlight of this level is the communal worship area, where early Christians likely gathered for prayer. Nearby, you’ll find wine and oil presses—an indication of the city’s self-sufficiency. These areas reveal the social and spiritual dimensions of underground living.
4. Third Level: The third level features narrow passageways, hidden rooms, and defense mechanisms. Rolling stone doors that could seal off sections during an attack are a standout feature. These massive circular stones were designed to protect residents from invaders.

Highlights to Look Out For

• Ventilation Shafts: Ingeniously designed to provide fresh air throughout the city.
• Hidden Passageways: Connecting rooms and levels while allowing for strategic movement during sieges.
• Communal Spaces: Areas for cooking, dining, and worship that reflect the daily lives of its residents.

Tips for Visitors

To make the most of your visit to Kaymakli Underground City, keep these tips in mind:

• Wear comfortable shoes: Uneven floors and narrow tunnels make sturdy footwear essential.
• Bring a flashlight: Though lit, some areas are dim.
• Accessibility: The city isn’t wheelchair-friendly due to its tight spaces and stairs.

Whether you’re marveling at the craftsmanship of ventilation systems or stepping into rooms where families once lived, Kaymaklı Underground City offers an unforgettable journey into Cappadocia’s ancient past.

Best Kaymakli Underground City Tickets & Tours 

Planning a visit to Kaymaklı Underground City? The MegaPass offers a seamless way to explore this incredible site while enjoying exclusive perks. Here are the best options for tickets and tours that combine history, convenience, and unforgettable experiences.

Kaymaklı Underground City Skip-the-Ticket-Line Ticket

Skip the lines and dive straight into exploring the widest underground settlement in Cappadocia. With this ticket, you can independently roam through four fascinating floors of Kaymaklı Underground City, discovering its ingenious design and functional spaces.

Highlights:

• Vast Underground Settlement: Experience the sprawling underground city, known for its width and intricate architecture.
• Intricate Layout: Navigate low, narrow, and sloping passages designed for defense.
• Functional Spaces: Explore stables, wineries, kitchens, and churches that were essential to ancient underground life.
• Engineering Marvels: See the ancient andesite block used for crushing and grinding grains.
• Living History: Learn about tunnels still used by local villagers today.

Includes:

• Entrance Ticket to Kaymaklı Underground City

Duration: Flexible—perfect for travelers who prefer exploring at their own pace.

Cappadocia Green Tour with Lunch and Hotel Transfer

This full-day Cappadocia Green tour includes a visit to Kaymaklı Underground City along with other top attractions in Cappadocia. Ideal for those wanting a comprehensive experience, the Green Tour combines history, nature, and local cuisine.

Highlights:

• Kaymaklı Underground City: Dive into its rich history and explore its hidden chambers.
• Pigeon Valley: Marvel at unique landscapes dotted with man-made dovecotes.
• Ihlara Valley Hike: Enjoy a scenic 3 km trek through this stunning valley.
• Selime Monastery: Visit Cappadocia’s largest religious building, an awe-inspiring rock-cut structure.
• Local Cuisine: Relish a delicious lunch in Belisirma Village, set along the picturesque Melendiz River.

Includes:

• Professional English-speaking guide
• Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Entrance fees to all attractions
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Duration: 8 hours—perfect for travelers who want to make the most of their day.

Why Choose MegaPass for Kaymaklı Underground City?

MegaPass makes exploring Kaymaklı Underground City hassle-free and enriching. Whether you want to skip the ticket line or join a guided tour with additional highlights, these curated options cater to every traveler’s preference. Choose the flexibility of independent exploration or the depth of a guided experience and make your visit unforgettable.

Book your MegaPass today and unlock the wonders of Kaymaklı!

FAQs

Who built Kaymakli Underground City?

Kaymakli Underground City was originally built by the Phrygians around the 8th–7th century BCE. Over time, it was expanded by early Christians seeking refuge from persecution. These groups utilized advanced engineering techniques to create a safe and sustainable living environment, including ventilation systems, hidden passageways, and communal areas.

What makes Kaymakli Underground City different from other Cappadocia underground cities?

Kaymakli Underground City is unique for its compact yet efficient design. Unlike other Cappadocia underground cities, it prioritizes communal living with interconnected rooms, stables, and worship areas. Its clever engineering, including ventilation shafts and secure stone doors, makes it stand out as one of the best-preserved examples of ancient underground life.

Where can I find Kaymakli Underground City?

Kaymakli Underground City is located in the Nevşehir province of Cappadocia, Turkey, about 20km south of Nevşehir town. It’s easily accessible by car, bus, or guided tours from nearby towns like Göreme or Ürgüp. Visitors can use well-marked routes or rely on tour operators for a hassle-free trip.

Why was Kaymakli Underground City built?

Kaymakli Underground City was built as a sanctuary during times of conflict. Its hidden location and secure design provided shelter from invasions and persecution. The underground city allowed entire communities to live safely, with provisions for food storage, ventilation, and defense.

How long does it take to explore Kaymakli Underground City?

Most visitors spend about 1–2 hours exploring Kaymakli Underground City. Guided tours often take this time to showcase key features like the ventilation shafts, living quarters, and communal spaces. If you’re exploring independently, it’s wise to allocate extra time to fully experience all accessible levels.

Will I need a guide to visit Kaymakli Underground City?

A guide isn’t mandatory, but it’s highly recommended to fully appreciate the history and architecture of Kaymakli. Guides provide insights into the purpose of rooms, historical context, and the engineering marvels that shaped the city. Audio guides are also available as an alternative.

What should I wear when visiting Kaymakli Underground City?

Visitors should wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as the floors can be uneven and steep. Layered clothing is also recommended since temperatures inside the underground city are cooler than outside. Bringing a flashlight is helpful for dimly lit areas.

How safe is it to explore Kaymakli Underground City?

Kaymakli Underground City is safe to explore for most visitors. However, its narrow tunnels and stairs may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues or claustrophobia. Staying alert and following safety instructions ensures a smooth experience.

What are the best tours for visiting Kaymakli Underground City?

The best tours include private guides or group tours that combine Kaymakli with other Cappadocia attractions like Derinkuyu or the Göreme Open Air Museum. These tours often include transportation, historical insights, and tips to maximize your experience.

How does Kaymakli compare to Derinkuyu Underground City?

Kaymakli is more compact and accessible, making it ideal for a shorter visit. Derinkuyu is deeper and larger, with features like a missionary school and a more complex ventilation system. Both offer unique insights into Cappadocia’s underground heritage, so visiting both is worthwhile if time allows.

Conclusion

Whether you’re drawn by the mystery of Kaymakli Underground City or its extraordinary engineering, this ancient site promises an unforgettable experience. Dive into its history, marvel at its design, and immerse yourself in a unique piece of Cappadocia’s heritage. Ready to explore? Book your Kaymakli Underground City Skip-the-Ticket-Line Ticket or join a guided tour of Cappadocia Green Tour with Lunch and Hotel Transfer today!