Kaymaklı Underground City
Kaymaklı is one of Cappadocia's largest and most-visited underground cities, a labyrinth of interconnected rooms, stables, storage cellars, churches, and passages carved into the soft volcanic rock, likely originating in Byzantine times as a refuge from raids and later persecution and expanded over subsequent centuries. Unlike Derinkuyu, Kaymaklı's layout spreads more horizontally around a series of vertical shafts rather than descending as deeply, with tunnels branching outward in a dense, maze-like network — around four of its estimated eight levels are open to visitors.
The passages here tend to be lower and narrower in places than at Derinkuyu, giving a slightly more cramped, hands-and-knees feel in a few sections, though the main visitor route is manageable for most people. It's a genuinely atmospheric look at how entire communities lived underground for extended periods, with clearly visible kitchens, wineries, and ventilation systems, and it makes an easy stop en route between Göreme and Ihlara Valley or Derinkuyu.
Kaymaklı Underground City FAQs
Derinkuyu is generally considered more extensive and dramatic, while Kaymaklı is more compact and can feel more cramped in places; either gives a good sense of a Cappadocian underground city, so visiting one is usually enough.
Some passages are notably narrow and low, so it can be more challenging than Derinkuyu for those uncomfortable in tight spaces.
Around four of the estimated eight levels are generally open to the public.
Around 45 minutes to an hour is typical to walk through the main visitor route.
Yes, it's commonly visited alongside Derinkuyu or on the way toward Ihlara Valley.
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