Derinkuyu Underground City: History, Depth & Tips

Derinkuyu Underground City is the deepest and most extensive underground settlement in Cappadocia — and one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world. Carved into the soft volcanic tuff rock, this massive subterranean complex descends 8 floors (approximately 85 meters deep) and could shelter up to 20,000 people along with their livestock and food supplies. Walking through its narrow tunnels and vast chambers is an unforgettable experience that reveals the incredible ingenuity of ancient civilizations.

History: Who Built Derinkuyu?

The origins of Derinkuyu are debated among historians, but the most widely accepted theory attributes the initial excavation to the Phrygians around the 8th-7th century BC. These skilled builders carved the soft tuff rock to create the first underground chambers.

The city was later expanded significantly by early Christians during the Roman and Byzantine periods (1st-10th centuries AD). Persecuted by Roman authorities, Christians found refuge underground, expanding the complex into a fully functional subterranean city complete with churches, wine cellars, schools, and ventilation systems.

Over the centuries, the city served as a shelter during Arab raids (7th-8th centuries) and continued to be used sporadically until the early 20th century, when the local Greek population was relocated during the 1923 population exchange between Greece and Turkey. The underground city was "rediscovered" in 1963 when a local resident found a mysterious room behind a wall during home renovations.

What Makes Derinkuyu Special?

• Depth: 8 visible floors (researchers believe there may be more undiscovered levels)
• Capacity: Could house 20,000 people for months at a time
• Engineering: Sophisticated ventilation shafts reaching 55 meters deep, providing fresh air to all levels
• Defense: Massive circular stone doors (weighing 200-500 kg) that could only be moved from inside
• Self-sufficiency: Wine and oil presses, stables, storage rooms, water wells, and even a missionary school
• Tunnel connection: A 9-km tunnel is believed to connect Derinkuyu to Kaymaklı Underground City

Floor-by-Floor Guide

Only about half of Derinkuyu's floors are currently open to visitors. Here's what you'll see on each accessible level:

The Ventilation System

Perhaps the most impressive engineering feat of Derinkuyu is its ventilation system. Over 50 ventilation shafts penetrate through the rock, with the deepest reaching approximately 55 meters. These shafts provided fresh air to all levels and also served as water wells. The temperature underground remains a constant 13-15°C year-round, making it comfortable even when the surface is blazing hot or freezing cold.

The Rolling Stone Doors

Derinkuyu's defense system relied on massive circular stone doors — essentially huge discs carved from a single piece of rock, weighing 200 to 500 kilograms. These doors could only be opened and closed from the inside, making the city virtually impregnable. Each floor had its own stone door, so inhabitants could seal off sections as needed. You can still see several of these doors in their original positions during your visit.

Visiting Tips

1. Prepare for tight spaces — Some passages are narrow (as little as 70-80 cm wide) and low (you'll need to duck). If you're claustrophobic, read our advice below.
2. Wear comfortable shoes — The floors can be slippery, and you'll be going up and down steep stairs.
3. Bring a light jacket — It's a constant 13-15°C underground, which feels cool after the summer heat above.
4. Visit early morning — The site gets crowded by midday, especially in summer. Early morning means fewer people in the narrow tunnels.
5. Allow 45-60 minutes — That's enough for most visitors. History enthusiasts may want 90 minutes.
6. Join the Green Tour — The Green Tour includes Derinkuyu with a professional guide who explains the history and significance of each level.

Claustrophobia Advice

Many visitors worry about claustrophobia at Derinkuyu. Here's practical advice:

• The first two floors have wide corridors and high ceilings — most people feel comfortable here
• The narrowest sections are on floors 3-5, with some passages around 70-80 cm wide
• You can turn back at any point — you don't need to complete the full circuit
• There's good lighting throughout the visitor route
• Visit early morning when there are fewer people — the feeling of crowding makes claustrophobia worse
• If you're mildly claustrophobic, you'll likely be fine on the upper floors. Moderate to severe claustrophobia may find even the upper levels challenging.

Entrance Fee (2026)

• Individual ticket: approximately €8-10 (price set in Turkish Lira)
• Museum Pass Turkey: covers entry
• Green Tour: entrance fee included in the tour price (€50)

How to Get There

Derinkuyu is located about 30 km south of Göreme (approximately 40 minutes by car). Options:

• Green Tour (recommended): The Green Tour includes Derinkuyu along with Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, and Pigeon Valley. Hotel pickup included.
• Dolmus (minibus): From Nevşehir bus station, minibuses run to Derinkuyu town
• Rental car: Easy drive with well-marked roads

For more about Cappadocia's underground cities, read our detailed guide: Cappadocia's Underground Cities. Planning your trip? Check our 3-day Cappadocia itinerary.