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Derinkuyu

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Derinkuyu (Turkey)

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Derinkuyu is the deepest and most renowned of the underground cities in Cappadocia, located in Central Anatolia. It extends across at least eight levels to a depth of approximately 85 meters below the surface. The city was initially carved out by the Phrygians in the 8th to 7th centuries BC and later expanded by early Christians as a refuge from religious persecution and invasions. Derinkuyu could accommodate up to 20,000 people and included living quarters, food storage areas, churches, wineries, and even a religious school. A sophisticated ventilation system with over 50 shafts provided fresh air to the inhabitants, while massive rolling stone doors secured the entrances against intruders. The engineering required to carve these stable tunnels and chambers into the soft volcanic tuff without structural failure is a testament to ancient ingenuity.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-1151015192323191361
Rain mm4132403743327715273539

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The underground city of Derinkuyu can be visited and is accessible to tourists. Entrance is fee-based and there are fixed opening hours. The corridors and rooms are partly very narrow and low.
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Typical hours
The site is usually open daily, but opening hours may vary seasonally. In winter, access may be limited. It is advisable to check current times in advance.
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Photography
Photography is usually allowed in the underground rooms, but without flash. Lighting conditions are poor, so a camera with good ISO performance is beneficial. A tripod is impractical due to the narrowness.
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Time needed
Allow about one to one and a half hours for a visit to the underground city. The corridors are branched and there are many rooms to discover. Take your time to explore the different levels.
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Combine with
Derinkuyu is located in Cappadocia and can be combined with other underground cities such as Kaymaklı. The rock formations and cave churches of Göreme are also not far away.
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Getting there
Derinkuyu is reachable by car or bus from Nevşehir. There is a parking lot nearby. The city lies on the main road running through Cappadocia.
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Insider tip
Wear sturdy shoes and a light jacket as it is cool underground. Avoid peak times late in the morning. A small backpack with water is recommended.

Geography

Coordinates
38.37300, 34.73500

Facts

  • Derinkuyu reaches a maximum depth of approximately 85 meters below ground level.
  • The underground city was rediscovered in 1963 after a local resident knocked down a wall.
  • Livestock were typically kept on the upper levels to facilitate ventilation and waste management.
  • An 8-kilometer long tunnel connects Derinkuyu to the nearby Kaymaklı underground city.
  • Ventilation shafts often doubled as wells, reaching down to underground water sources.
  • Derinkuyu has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1985 as part of Goreme National Park.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Göreme National ParkGöreme National Park27 km · NEExplore →
ÜrgüpÜrgüp31 km · NEExplore →
Ihlara ValleyIhlara Valley50 km · SExplore →
Mount HasanMount Hasan67 km · SExplore →
Aladağlar National ParkAladağlar National Park67 km · NWExplore →
Mount ErciyesMount Erciyes81 km · NExplore →
KayseriKayseri89 km · NExplore →
AdanaAdana141 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Derinkuyu (2)

Derinkuyu Underground City🏺 historical

An impressive, multi-level ancient underground city in Cappadocia.

Derinkuyu Cumhuriyet Camii⛪ religious

The Derinkuyu Cumhuriyet Mosque is in the town famous for its Byzantine-era underground city.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Are the corridors very narrow?
Yes, in many places it is very narrow and low.
Will I suffer from claustrophobia?
If you have trouble with tight spaces, the visit is not recommended.
How deep can one go?
Visitors can descend several levels deep into the ground.
Must I be fit to visit?
Yes, one must often walk stooped and climb many steps.
When is the best time?
Underground the temperature is constant, so it is possible anytime.
Derinkuyu: where is it located?
Derinkuyu is located in Turkey.
Derinkuyu: what is there to see?
Highlights include Derinkuyu Underground City, Derinkuyu Cumhuriyet Camii.
Derinkuyu: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Derinkuyu: why is it worth visiting?
Derinkuyu is the deepest and most renowned of the underground cities in Cappadocia, located in Central Anatolia.
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History & landmarks

Göreme National Park — Derinkuyu (Turkey)
Göreme National Park
A spectacular landscape in Cappadocia, shaped by erosion and famous for its unique fairy chimneys.
Ürgüp — Derinkuyu (Turkey)
Ürgüp
An elegant town in Cappadocia, known for its historic stone mansions and premium wines.

More places

Ihlara Valley — Derinkuyu (Turkey)
Ihlara Valley
A deep gorge carved by a river that acts as a green oasis amidst the dry Cappadocian landscape.
Mount Hasan — Derinkuyu (Turkey)
Mount Hasan
Mount Hasan is a dormant twin-peaked volcano whose silhouette dominates the landscape of Aksaray and Niğde.
Aladağlar National Park — Derinkuyu (Turkey)
Aladağlar National Park
This mountainous wonderland is often referred to as the Alps of Turkey and offers steep cliffs and deep valleys.