Cappadocia is home to numerous subterranean complexes, with Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı being the largest and most famous. These ancient underground cities were ingeniously carved into the soft volcanic tuff, primarily serving as self-sufficient refuges for thousands of people during times of invasion and persecution, especially by early Christians.
Derinkuyu is the deepest excavated underground city, reaching about 85 meters and featuring up to 18 levels, though eight are accessible to visitors. It was designed to shelter around 20,000 people, livestock, and provisions. Its most remarkable features are the sophisticated ventilation shafts ensuring fresh air and massive, rolling stone doors used to seal off sections from invaders.
Kaymaklı, the second-largest, descends about 40–85 meters across eight levels, with four open to the public, housing thousands. While less deep than Derinkuyu, it features wider, more spacious tunnels, making it slightly easier for visitors. Kaymaklı includes communal living areas, stables, wineries, and churches.
Both cities showcase incredible ancient engineering, featuring systems for ventilation, water management, and defense, offering a humbling glimpse into human ingenuity and resilience.
