Derinkuyu Underground City

The Basics

A guided walking tour of Derinkuyu takes visitors underground to explore the excavated ruins, including the remains of stables, cellars, storage rooms, kitchens, wineries, and wells. The upper floors are reached by narrow, sloping passageways, while staircases lead down to the third and fourth floors, and the lowest floor houses a church. In addition to peeking into the gigantic ventilation shafts, visitors can see the defense systems and learn how food, wine, and even livestock were stored.

Derinkuyu is a popular inclusion on day tours of Cappadocia, often combined with a hike through the nearby Ihlara Valley or a stop in Pigeon Valley to admire the region’s famous fairy chimneys.

Things to Know Before You Go

• There is an admission charge for Derinkuyu, and visiting with a guide is recommended, as very little information is provided on-site.

• Plan at least an hour to visit Derinkuyu.

• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes to explore the underground city.

• The narrow tunnels and small underground chambers can make navigating Derinkuyu tricky for those who suffer from claustrophobia.

• Due to the stairs, low passageways, and uneven terrain, Derinkuyu is not wheelchair-accessible. Some areas may be difficult to access for tall or large people or those with mobility issues.

How to Get There

Derinkuyu is located about 24 miles (40 kilometers) south of Göreme in south Cappadocia. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Göreme, and regular buses that run from nearby Nevşehir also take around 40 minutes.

When to Get There

Derinkuyu is open all year round, although opening times vary throughout the year. It can get extremely busy during peak season, when the quietest times to visit are early morning and late afternoon just before closing.

Cappadocia’s Underground Cities

It’s estimated that there are more than 40 underground cities dotted around the Cappadocia region, which vary in size from small ‘villages’ to vast ‘cities’ like Derinkuyu, which could hold up to 20,000 people. Many underground dwellings date back to Hittite times, but the most elaborate were constructed or enlarged during the Byzantine era and used as hideouts by the early Christian communities during the Arab–Byzantine Wars.

Can you visit the lost city of Derinkuyu?

Yes, you can visit the underground city of Derinkuyu in Cappadocia, Turkey. It's a popular tourist attraction and one of the most remarkable ancient underground cities. Derinkuyu offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to explore its well-preserved tunnels, chambers, and ancient architecture, which served as a refuge in times of danger.

How many levels are there in Derinkuyu Underground City?

Derinkuyu Underground City in Cappadocia, Turkey, has eight known levels, with the deepest levels reaching up to approximately 60 meters (196 feet) below the surface. These levels are interconnected by a series of tunnels, rooms, and passageways, making it an intricate and historically significant underground complex.

What time can you visit Derinkuyu Underground City?

The underground city of Derinkuyu is open from 8am until 7pm in the high summer season, allowing plenty of time to delve into the mysteries beneath the surface. However, in the winter, it's only open from 8am until 5pm with shorter daylight hours.

Is Derinkuyu Underground City accessible?

Only eight of the estimated 18 levels of Derinkuyu Underground City are accessible to visitors today. With winding tunnels, hidden rooms, uneven ground, and narrow passageways, it's unfortunately not accessible to strollers or wheelchairs.

What do you see on a tour of Derinkuyu Underground City?

During a tour of Derinkuyu Underground City, you'll explore a fascinating subterranean world. Visitors can view well-preserved rooms, including living quarters, kitchens, chapels, storage areas, and ventilation shafts. The tour provides insights into the ingenious architectural design and historical significance of this ancient underground city.

Should you book Derinkuyu Underground City tours in advance?

If you're visiting in the busy months, booking your Derinkuyu Underground City tour in advance is highly recommended. Doing so ensures you'll secure a spot with a knowledgeable guide who can offer fascinating historical insights and keep you safe while exploring the underground city.