Exploring the Underground Cities of Cappadocia

The underground cities of Cappadocia in Turkey offer a captivating look into the area’s historical and architectural heritage. These subterranean cities, carved from soft volcanic rock, served as refuges for early inhabitants, especially during invasions.

Historical Background

The origins of these underground cities trace back to the Phrygians in the 8th and 7th centuries BCE. Over the centuries, they were expanded by various civilizations, including the Hittites, Romans, and Byzantines. During the Byzantine period, they were extensively used as shelters from invaders like the Arabs and Mongols. These cities remained inhabited until the early 20th century.

Getting There

To visit the underground cities of Cappadocia, fly into either Kayseri or NevÅŸehir airports, which are the nearest to the region. From there, you can rent a car or use public transportation to reach the cities. Kaymakli and Derinkuyu are two of the most accessible and popular underground cities, located near NevÅŸehir.