Saint Mercurius Underground City The Saint Mercurius Underground City, located in Saratlı village near the Aksaray-Nevşehir main road, is a fascinating historical site that attracts many visitors. This complex spans seven levels, though only three levels are open to the public. Entry to the city is through a Seljuk-era inn called Develik. From this point, guests can wander through the passageways and rooms leading to an underground church, notable for its large size and containing burial sites for both children and adults. The underground city complex includes various features such as three water wells, storage areas, a toilet, a cellar, and residential spaces. This site served as a training center for early Christians around 250 AD during a time when Christianity was prohibited by the Roman authorities, compelling people to follow the Pagan faith. Saint Mercurius, also called Philopater, was a military officer who gained recognition under Emperor Decius. When the emperor defeated the Berber tribes and intended to offer sacrifices to Pagan deities, Mercurius refused to take part, declaring he would only worship his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As a consequence, the emperor exiled Mercurius to Cappadocia, where he was ultimately beheaded in retaliation. The church has been a place of worship since ancient times, with archaeological excavations uncovering nearly 20 graves of both children and adults containing human remains. Among them was a grave holding the skeletons of a man and a woman buried side by side. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about Saint Mercurius Underground City, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or simply message us on Whatsapp, and we will reply promptly.