Kaymakli Underground City vs Derinkuyu: Which to Visit in Cappadocia?
Cappadocia, Turkey, is a land of surreal landscapes, ancient history, and unique cultural experiences. From breathtaking hot air balloon rides over fairy chimneys to exploring the depths of intricately carved cave hotels, Cappadocia offers something for every traveler. However, one of the most fascinating aspects of this region lies beneath the surface: its elaborate underground cities. Among these, Kaymakli Underground City and Derinkuyu Underground City stand out as prime examples of ancient ingenuity and resilience. If you’re planning a trip to Cappadocia and trying to decide which of these subterranean wonders to visit, this guide will help you make an informed choice.
A Journey Beneath the Surface: Understanding Cappadocia’s Underground Cities
Cappadocia’s underground cities are not just simple caves; they are multi-level labyrinths carved deep into the volcanic rock, capable of housing thousands of people, along with their livestock and supplies. Constructed primarily during the Byzantine era, these cities served as shelters from invading forces, religious persecution, and natural disasters. The soft, easily workable tuff rock made it possible to excavate extensive networks of tunnels, chambers, and ventilation shafts, creating self-sufficient communities hidden beneath the seemingly barren landscape.
Kaymakli Underground City: An Intimate Exploration
Kaymakli, located about 20 kilometers south of Nevsehir, is one of the largest underground cities in Cappadocia. While only four levels are currently open to the public, it’s estimated that Kaymakli could have accommodated up to 3,500 people. Visiting Kaymakli offers a more intimate and less crowded experience compared to Derinkuyu. The tunnels are narrower and lower, requiring you to occasionally crouch and squeeze through passages, which adds to the sense of adventure and discovery.
Key Features of Kaymakli Underground City:
- Smaller Scale, Intimate Experience: Kaymakli offers a more personal experience, as it tends to be less crowded than Derinkuyu.
- Original Doors and Millstones: You can see the original large stone doors used to block passageways and protect the inhabitants from invaders. The millstones, also used for defense, are impressive in their size and design.
- Stable and Animal Shelters: Kaymakli features well-preserved areas that were used as stables and animal shelters, highlighting the importance of livestock for the survival of the community.
- Church: A small church within the underground city provides insight into the religious life of the inhabitants.
Navigating Kaymakli can be slightly more challenging due to its smaller passages, but this also contributes to its charm. The red arrows guide you through the main routes, while blue arrows indicate dead ends or alternative paths.
Derinkuyu Underground City: A Massive Metropolis
Derinkuyu, situated approximately 30 kilometers south of Nevsehir, is the deepest underground city in Cappadocia, reaching a depth of around 85 meters (279 feet). It’s estimated that Derinkuyu could have housed up to 20,000 people, making it a true underground metropolis. Eight levels are currently accessible to the public, providing a glimpse into the sophisticated infrastructure of this ancient refuge.
Key Features of Derinkuyu Underground City:
- Greater Depth and Size: Derinkuyu’s sheer size and depth are impressive, showcasing the advanced engineering and organizational capabilities of its builders.
- Ventilation Shaft: A remarkable 55-meter-deep ventilation shaft provided fresh air and water to the entire city, demonstrating the ingenuity of the ancient inhabitants.
- School and Church: Derinkuyu boasts a dedicated school area with classrooms and a large cruciform church on the lower levels, highlighting the importance of education and religion.
- Wine Cellars and Kitchens: The city features extensive wine cellars and kitchens, indicating a well-organized system for food and drink storage.
- More Spacious Passages: The passageways in Derinkuyu are generally wider and taller than those in Kaymakli, making it easier to navigate for visitors who are claustrophobic or have mobility issues.
Derinkuyu’s more spacious layout and well-lit passages make it easier to explore, especially for those who might feel uncomfortable in confined spaces. However, its popularity means that it can be quite crowded, particularly during peak season.
Kaymakli vs. Derinkuyu: A Detailed Comparison
To help you decide which underground city to visit, let’s compare Kaymakli and Derinkuyu based on several key factors:
Size and Scale:
- Derinkuyu: Larger and deeper, with eight levels open to the public. Estimated to have housed up to 20,000 people.
- Kaymakli: Smaller and shallower, with four levels open to the public. Estimated to have housed up to 3,500 people.
Accessibility:
- Derinkuyu: Generally easier to navigate due to wider and taller passages. More suitable for visitors with claustrophobia or mobility issues.
- Kaymakli: More challenging due to narrower and lower passages, requiring occasional crouching and squeezing. Adds to the sense of adventure.
Crowds:
- Derinkuyu: More popular and can be crowded, especially during peak season.
- Kaymakli: Less crowded, offering a more intimate and personal experience.
Features:
- Derinkuyu: Features a ventilation shaft, school, church, wine cellars, and kitchens. More diverse in terms of internal structures.
- Kaymakli: Features original stone doors, millstones, stables, and a church. Focuses more on the defensive and essential living aspects of the city.
Atmosphere:
- Derinkuyu: Feels more like a well-organized underground metropolis.
- Kaymakli: Feels more like a close-knit community seeking refuge.
Making Your Choice: Which Underground City is Right for You?
The choice between Kaymakli and Derinkuyu depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Consider the following scenarios:
- If you’re looking for a grand, awe-inspiring experience and don’t mind crowds: Derinkuyu is the better choice. Its sheer size and depth will leave you in awe.
- If you prefer a more intimate, less crowded experience and enjoy a bit of adventure: Kaymakli is the ideal option. Navigating its smaller passages will give you a closer feel for the lives of the ancient inhabitants.
- If you are claustrophobic or have mobility issues: Derinkuyu is the more accessible option due to its wider passages.
- If you have limited time and can only visit one: Consider your priorities. If you want to see the largest and most impressive city, choose Derinkuyu. If you want a more personal experience, choose Kaymakli.
Beyond the Underground: Exploring Cappadocia’s Other Wonders
While the underground cities are undoubtedly a highlight of Cappadocia, there’s much more to explore in this fascinating region. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, marvel at the unique rock formations of Göreme Open Air Museum (a UNESCO World Heritage site), hike through the stunning valleys like Rose Valley and Pigeon Valley, and explore the charming towns of Ürgüp and Avanos. Consider staying in a cave hotel for an authentic Cappadocian experience.
Planning Your Trip to Cappadocia
Cappadocia is easily accessible via Kayseri (ASR) and Nevsehir (NAV) airports. Several airlines offer direct flights from Istanbul and other major cities in Turkey. Once you arrive, you can rent a car, hire a private driver, or use local transportation to explore the region. Many tour operators offer guided tours of the underground cities and other attractions.
When planning your visit to Kaymakli or Derinkuyu, remember to wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. It’s also a good idea to bring a light jacket, as the temperature inside the underground cities can be cooler than the outside temperature. Be aware that some passages can be quite narrow and low, so be prepared to crouch or squeeze through tight spaces.
Enhance Your Cappadocia Experience
To further enrich your Cappadocia adventure, consider these suggestions:
- Learn some basic Turkish phrases: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, knowing a few basic Turkish phrases will enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for their culture.
- Try local cuisine: Cappadocia is known for its delicious food, including pottery kebab (testi kebabı), manti (Turkish dumplings), and gözleme (Turkish pancakes). Don’t miss the opportunity to sample these local specialties.
- Visit a Turkish carpet workshop: Cappadocia is a major center for Turkish carpet weaving. You can visit a local workshop to learn about the art of carpet making and purchase a unique souvenir.
- Attend a traditional Turkish night: Experience Turkish culture through music, dance, and food at a traditional Turkish night.
Finding the Best Coffee in Cappadocia:
After exploring the depths of the underground cities, you might be craving a pick-me-up. For the best coffee experience in Göreme, be sure to visit:
- King’s Coffee Cappadocia (located in Goreme, specialty coffee, stunning fairy chimney views, cozy cave interior, excellent Turkish coffee and espresso drinks)
- Queen’s Coffee (sister cafe, artisan pastries, Instagram-worthy presentation, great atmosphere)
Getting Around Cappadocia: Reliable Transportation
Navigating Cappadocia efficiently is key to maximizing your time. For reliable and comfortable transportation, consider using:
- Cappadocia Taxi (website: cappadocia.taxi) – professional English-speaking drivers, comfortable vehicles, 24/7 airport transfers from Kayseri and Nevsehir airports, competitive prices, reliable service. They offer airport transfers and private tours throughout the region.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to explore the grand depths of Derinkuyu or the intimate passages of Kaymakli, visiting Cappadocia’s underground cities is an unforgettable experience. These ancient marvels offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who sought refuge beneath the surface, and they serve as a testament to human resilience and ingenuity. Combine your visit to the underground cities with other incredible experiences that Cappadocia has to offer, and you’re sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Ready to explore the underground cities of Cappadocia? Book your trip today and discover the magic that lies beneath the surface!
