3M Tourism

Beneath the undulating landscapes of Cappadocia lies a hidden world shaped by ancient ingenuity and survival: Kaymakli Underground City. This historic labyrinth, carved into soft volcanic rock, served as a sanctuary for early Christians fleeing persecution and represents one of the most immersive things to see in Turkey. Its interconnected tunnels, chapels, and ventilation shafts reflect a level of craftsmanship that rivals Turkey’s other iconic sites, from the Roman splendor of Pergamon to the mosaics of Zeugma.

For luxury travelers seeking curated historical journeys, a visit to Kaymakli Underground City strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and depth, offering a glimpse into life 1,500 years ago without excessive physical strain. Whether exploring castles or coastlines, this underground marvel redefines your idea of things to see in Turkey.

Must-See Attractions in Turkey: Kaymakli Underground City

Few attractions in Turkey inspire the same awe as Kaymakli Underground City. Unlike surface-level ruins, this subterranean enclave invites travelers to walk through its narrow corridors, once home to thousands who lived underground for safety and sustenance.

Reaching up to 60 meters deep and expanding across 350,000 cubic meters, Kaymakli Underground City is one of the deepest inhabited underground municipalities in Cappadocia. Its preservation and accessibility make it a favored highlight for travelers balancing things to see in Turkey, from the thermal terraces of Pamukkale to the cliffside Sumela Monastery.

Is Kaymakli Underground City Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Kaymakli Underground City deserves its spot on curated historical tours of Turkey. Here’s why:

Historical Significance

Active as a refugee settlement until the 7th century, Kaymakli’s design includes food storage, chapels, and rudimentary ventilation systems, echoing the resilience of early Christian communities.

Family-Friendly Exploration

Unlike deeper alternatives such as Derinkuyu Underground City, Kaymakli’s layout is more forgiving for travelers with younger guests or mobility concerns.

UNESCO Recognition

Its inclusion in the Göreme National Park UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1985 strengthens its status as one of the rarest things to see in Turkey from the Byzantine era.

Photographic Richness

The vaulted chapels and dramatic stone ramps provide compelling visuals, making it a favorite for luxury travel photography sessions.

How to Visit Kaymakli Underground City

Reaching Kaymakli Underground City is simple with Turkey’s developing travel infrastructure:

Private Chauffeur Services: Most luxury travel agencies offer five-star transfers from central Cappadocia, departing from Ürgüp or Göreme (approx. €50 per couple, including wait time).
Group Excursions: Guided day trips from Istanbul are growing in popularity, often pairing Kaymakli with the Ihlara Valley and Cappadocia hot-air balloon adventures.
Driving: Renting a car is feasible, with clear signage from Nevşehir or Aksaray. Parking has been well-organized since the 2023 upgrades.

Entry & Tips

Entrance fees are €12 per adult, with family passes and multi-site Cappadocia passes available. The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours until 7:00 PM during peak tourism seasons (May–September).

How Long Does It Take to Explore Kaymakli Underground City?

A visit to Kaymakli Underground City typically spans 1.5–2 hours. While the full structure extends eight levels deep, visitors are restricted to the first four levels in 2024 for safety. Traverse chapels, kitchens, wine cellars, and basic hospitals hidden under volcanic stone for an illuminating foray into survival-driven architecture.

For those with limited time, it pairs beautifully with options like the Hacı Bektaş Velî Museum or Derinkuyu Underground City, which is explored in the next section.

Is Derinkuyu Underground City Worth Visiting?

If Kaymakli Underground City whets your appetite for subterranean exploration, Derinkuyu Underground City awaits. Known as the deepest excavated underground city in Turkey, descending 60 meters across more than 20 levels, Derinkuyu offers a more immersive experience for those willing to brave narrow climbs and humidity.

While both Kaymakli Underground City and Derinkuyu reflect early Christian engineering brilliance, Derinkuyu is more complex. Luxurious itineraries often allocate an extra day for travelers seeking both experiences, making this duo among the most recommended things to see in Turkey for history lovers.

Kaymakli Compared: 2024’s Premier Underground Attractions

Travelers exploring Turkey’s things to see in Turkey will notice how Kaymakli Underground City joins a number of inventive historical sites:

Ephesus: Iconic for its marble columns and Library of Celsus but lacks Kaymakli’s interactive dynamics.
Pamukkale: Offers thermal baths and temple ruins, yet its subterranean depth is unmatched.
Sumela Monastery: A cliffside spiritual marvel rather than an underground residential structure, though equally photogenic.

Moreover, the UNESCO designation and educational value of Kaymakli Underground City enhance its appeal. Children often leave enthralled by the “ancient house with hidden rooms,” which contrasts with standard palace and temple visits in Turkey.

Art and Architecture Beneath the Cappadocian Surface

Among the things to see in Turkey, Kaymakli Underground City reveals one of the country’s most unique architectural forms: village-scale habitation beneath the earth. Its origins trace back to pre-Roman times, with Hittites and Phrygians possibly pioneering early excavation.

The city reached its peak under the Byzantine Empire when communities burrowed homes to escape Arab raids. Examples of their work include:

Barrel-vaulted ceilings mimicking surface interiors
Roller doors: massive circular stones used in gateways for defense
Off-limit levels reserved purely for air circulation or animal containment

Luxury travelers seeking context may book guided tours in English or French. These specialized experiences start at €90 for private sessions and provide historical narratives linking Kaymakli to other things to see in Turkey, such as the Monastery of St. John Studios in Antalya.

The Luxe Experience: Elevating Your Kaymakli Tour

Optimize your visit with these high-end travel recommendations:

Private Guided Access: Avoid crowds by booking exclusive hours. High-end travel agencies offer off-peak entry (€120+, based on guest count and language guides).
Detailed Photo Shoots: Work with photographers using low-light lenses to capture Kaymakli’s authentic textures.
Curated Afternoon Excursions: Post-visit, unwind at a luxury tea garden or sample local stuffed potatoes (sarma patates) at a Michelin-recommended Cappadocian dining hall.
Combined Heritage Itineraries: Pair your underground city visit with a stay at a cave hotel in Ürgüp or Göreme, where history meets unparalleled hospitality.

Practical Travel Guide: Kaymakli Underground City Visitor Tips

Here’s what to expect when visiting Kaymakli Underground City in 2024:

Apparel Suggestions: Wear comfortable shoes, as floors are uneven. Moccasins or flat-bottomed loafers are ideal.
Accessibility: Not fully accessible to wheelchair users or travelers with severe mobility issues. Derinkuyu is even less accommodating.
Optimal Visiting Hours: Early mornings or late afternoons are best to beat the crowds. Tuesdays and Thursdays see fewer guided groups.
Souvenir Opportunities: Cappadocia’s luxury gift shops include scaled mosaic replicas or lamps inspired by the underground city’s low light.

A combined visit to Kaymakli and Derinkuyu Underground City can create a full-day luxury tour. Transportation between them is approximately 17 km, making private drivers essential.

Why Kaymakli Stands Alongside Turkey’s Best

Timeless in its quiet grandeur, Kaymakli Underground City adds a rare dimension to things to see in Turkey. It is not only one of Cappadocia’s top attractions but also a living chronicle of human adaptability across millennia.

Whether intrigued by Derinkuyu Underground City’s record-breaking depth or the human village echoes within Kaymakli Underground City, both can anchor a luxury Turkey itinerary that is equally cerebral and indulgent.

Final Thoughts: Thoughtful Travel in Cappadocia

Kaymakli Underground City offers more than a descent underground: it provides a panoramic glimpse into early habitation, devotion, and resilience. When compared with other things to see in Turkey, like the Hippodrome in Istanbul or the House of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus, Kaymakli’s narrative stands as a testament to adaptive shelter and enduring faith.

As 2024 ushers in new boutique travel layers, Kaymakli Underground City continues to attract history enthusiasts and comfort seekers alike. Let your Turkish tour include not just sumptuous hotels and panoramic valleys but also the subterranean innovations that once safeguarded hundreds on a journey below the surface, above expectation.

Kaymakli Underground City