Tatlarin Underground City Situated in the Acigol district of Nevsehir province, the Tatlarin Underground City stands out as one of the most remarkable subterranean settlements in the Cappadocia region. It was unearthed in 1975 following the collapse of its original entrance, and after undergoing restoration, it was officially opened to the public in 1991. At present, only two levels of Tatlarin Underground City are accessible to tourists, though additional sections are anticipated to be revealed in the near future. Despite the loss of many nearby churches due to erosion and structural failures, the underground city itself has remained impressively well-preserved. A particularly distinctive aspect of this underground city is the existence of toilets. Very few underground settlements in Cappadocia feature toilets, with another known example located near Guzelyurt. Tatlarin is also notable for its unusually large chambers and substantial food reserves. It is thought to have functioned as a Roman military outpost, supported by the discovery of three skeletons believed to be of Roman origin. Entrance to the underground city is gained through a 15-meter-long corridor, as the original access point has collapsed. This corridor leads into a spacious room secured by a sliding stone, which could be operated only from the inside—an effective defense mechanism against intruders or wild animals. Within the Tatlarin Underground City, archaeologists found three skeletons in one of the chambers, suggesting a Roman-period burial. This same area was later transformed into a kitchen during the Byzantine era. Remarkably, there are signs that the burial pits were excavated even deeper to create extra space for storing food supplies. The underground city comprises two spacious chambers linked by a zigzagging passageway, designed with a built-in trap and a stone sliding door to fend off potential invaders. There are five carved food storage units embedded in the floor, supported by solid columns, while a ventilation shaft provides airflow and connects to the upper levels of the structure. Positioned close to the entrance is a church, where wall paintings remain visible despite partial damage to its dual naves. These frescoes feature depictions of Mary with Jesus, Archangels Michael and Gabriel, and biblical scenes such as the Anastasis, Entry into Jerusalem, Crucifixion, and Transfiguration. Additionally, images of nine saints are preserved, accompanied by secular portraits of Constantine the Great, his mother Helena, and the donors who helped finance the church’s construction. Should you have any questions or need more information about the Tatlarin Underground City, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or simply contact us through WhatsApp. We’ll be happy to assist you promptly.