Cappadocia in Turkey is well-versed in its dreamlike landscapes and historical treasures. Perhaps one of the most interesting sights in this section could be the Kaymakli Underground City. This subterranean wonder serves as a window to ingenuity and the will to survive in ancient civilizations. Let’s venture into the secrets of Kaymakli and find out why it should make every traveler’s bucket list.
A Journey into the Depths
The Kaymakli Underground City is an enormous network of tunnels, chambers, and rooms carved out of soft volcanic rock. It has a depth of eight levels, with this underground labyrinth so ingeniously designed as to house thousands of people1. Although only four of these levels are currently open to the public, they give one a fascinating look into the lives of its ancient inhabitants.
Historical Significance
Dating as far back as the 7th and 8th centuries BCE, Kaymakli served mainly as a place of refuge in times of invasion and war3. Ventilation shafts, storage rooms, kitchens, and even stables were fitted in this town, fully illustrating the great ingenuity of the engineers who designed it. As many as 3,500 people are thought to have been housed in Kaymakli, which would make it one of the largest underground towns in the area.
Must-See Highlights
Ingeniously serving as ventilation shafts to ventilate the town with fresh air, these stand as testimony to advanced engineering for the time.
Storage Rooms: These rooms were used to store food and supplies; thus, survival for long periods underground was possible.
Churches and Chapels: A variety of religious places exist in the city, which reflect the religious life that its residents pursued.
Visitor Experience: Kaymakli is a strange thing to navigate, as it would feel like being set back into time. Its well-lit tunnels and spacious chambers allow any kind of explorer, even the most claustrophobic ones, to work their way through it easily. When you make your way through the city, you’ll see several artifacts and some architecture that may tell a story about the past.
How to Get There
It is located about 20 km south from Nevşehir, which is the capital of Cappadocia. Kaymaklı Underground City is easily reachable by car or on guided tours that often combine a visit here with other nearby attractions. The site is open all year, making it convenient to add to any itinerary of travel.
Conclusion
Kaymaklı Underground City is definitely one of those most indispensable places to visit, whether one is an avid enthusiast of history or an adventurous soul. This natural wonder is just about the most interesting sight to see in Cappadocia, as it holds all the nuances in design and historical importance with its scale in the underground network. Whether exploring ancient tunnels or marvelling at the brilliant aptitude of its purveyors, a journey via Kaymaklı promises to be an unforgettable plunge into the depths of history.
Plan your visit to the Kaymakli Underground City, and discover the wonders Cappadocia has in store for you!
