Kaymakli Underground CityPlaces to Visit in Nevsehir

The Kaymakli Underground City, situated in the heart of the Cappadocia region, is one of the most renowned and stunning tourist spots, drawing nearly one million visitors annually. Among the 34 underground cities discovered in the area, it stands out as the largest and is widely regarded as a must-visit landmark. This remarkable city was originally created by Early Christians during the initial phases of Christianity to shield themselves from Roman military persecution. At the time, Paganism was the dominant and state-endorsed belief system, and those who refused to follow it faced harsh oppression at the hands of Roman soldiers.

To escape these violent crackdowns, the Christians of Cappadocia found refuge beneath the surface by building hidden dwellings. The Kaymakli Underground City is an expansive labyrinth of interconnected tunnels and carved-out chambers. The underground layout is so complex that it's easy for visitors to lose their way while exploring the mysterious and historical depths of this ancient refuge.

While Kaymakli shares structural similarities with other underground cities in the region, what truly sets it apart is its highly efficient and intelligently planned layout. The city includes a range of functional spaces such as living areas, bedrooms, stables, kitchens, storage rooms, places of worship, and even burial grounds.

Recognized for its historical and cultural significance, Kaymakli Underground City was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985 and has welcomed tourists since 1964. To date, the first four levels have been uncovered. The city's advanced ventilation system ensured that all chambers received fresh air through a network of vertical shafts, with a total of 18 air vents supplying oxygen to the entire structure, which extends 60 meters below the ground.

To reach the Kaymakli Underground City, travelers can use public transportation from the Goreme bus station. The journey involves first heading to the Nevsehir city center, then transferring to a bus bound for Kaymakli town, located approximately 30 kilometers from Goreme. The total travel time by public transport is just over an hour. Guests staying in hotels in Urgup, Avanos, or Uchisar will also need to make their way to Nevsehir to catch a bus to Kaymakli. The entrance fee for visiting the site is 13 Euro per person in 2025. GPS coordinates for the underground city are 38°27'36.8″N 34°45'07.2″E.

We provide Private Kaymakli Underground City Tours at a rate of 120 Euro per person, which includes a professionally licensed English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and round-trip transportation. In addition, the underground city is featured in our Small Group Highlights of Cappadocia Tour and Cappadocia Delight Tour.

If you have any questions or need further details about the Kaymakli Underground City, feel free to contact us via email at [email protected] or simply send us a message on WhatsApp. We’ll respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.