Kaymakli Yeralti Şehri underground city, Cappodocia, Turkey

 April 18, 2026

 

 The underground city was a bit challenging for me because sometime we were "stuck" because folks in front of us in the tunnels weren't moving!  

More often tunnels were very short and we could stand up. Note that it wasn't crowded. Some info I found helpful: 

An intricate system of tunnels, chambers, and galleries has been excavated deep into the volcanic tuff rock at Kaymakli Underground City. There are eight floors in the city, although only four are accessible to the general public today. The underground city can hold up to 3,000 people and is over 85 meters deep. You will come across low, winding passages, steep stairs, and rooms that have seen a variety of uses as you explore Kaymakli. Water wells, storage spaces, and ventilation shafts are also visible. Some of the spaces, including a church, stables, and kitchens, were used as social gathering places. Burial chambers, which were used to bury the dead inside the city walls, are another thing you will see.  (source: Cappadocia travel pass)

 

The massive circular stone entrance that was used to protect the city from invaders is one of the Kaymakli Underground City’s significant symbols. The door could only be opened from the inside and is estimated to weigh over a thousand pounds. The air conditioning system, which is still functional and is said to have been utilized to control the city's temperature and humidity, is another noteworthy aspect.(source: Cappadocia travel pass)  More info https://cappadociatravelpass.com/a-cappadocian-mystery-kaymakli-underground-city

 

The area around the underground city was interesting 

This tractor trailer reminded me of India, only we'd see them moving on all the roads were wer on. There were some not colorful tractors on the roads we drove.

 

 Path designs I haven't seen anywhere else for vehicles as well as pedestrians