Derinkuyu Yeraltı Şehri
Derinkuyu Yeraltı Şehri
4.5
About
At one time up to 20,000 people lived in this underground city carved 18 storeys deep into the Cappadocia earth. Today, 8 floors of rooms, tunnels and passageways are open for public viewing.
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4.5
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Marcelo
Rio de Janeiro, RJ70 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Important to make a guided tour to understand what was each "comodo" of the underground city.
The Guide also helps guide the group towards the narrow corridors, where there is only room for a single "path", preventing someone from coming in the opposite direction.
The corridors are tight, somehow claustrophobic, but only in the passages. In the rooms, it is possible to stand in peace (measure 1,90m).
Despite being tight and underground, the place is cool and ventilated, which makes the experience less perennial.
The Guide also helps guide the group towards the narrow corridors, where there is only room for a single "path", preventing someone from coming in the opposite direction.
The corridors are tight, somehow claustrophobic, but only in the passages. In the rooms, it is possible to stand in peace (measure 1,90m).
Despite being tight and underground, the place is cool and ventilated, which makes the experience less perennial.
Automatically translated
Written 12 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
masdesid65
San Giuliano Terme, Italy1,064 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Here we are in one of the most incredible places in the world, where you are amazed to imagine what man is able to create. In Cappadocia there are numerous underground cities, built around 800 BC as a refuge during invasions, but that of Derinkuyu is among the most complex. Thirteen floors with ventilation shafts that descend into the bowels of the earth, able to accommodate up to 20,000 people, with rooms, kitchens, refectories, shops, churches, schools, even stables for livestock. It is thought that the populations could live in these cramped spaces for up to six months, in complete autonomy. Admission 13 € (8:00 – 17:00). The corridors are very narrow and in some passages it is necessary to walk bent over. In some places the place could be claustrophobic. The best times to visit are early in the morning, lunchtime and late afternoon: a couple of tour groups could completely clog the corridors. You should hire a local guide.
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Written 25 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jbushman2017
Nipomo, CA523 contributions
July 2024 • Couples
My family drove to Derinkuyu Underground city in a rented car. When we got there we parked in the Ottopark and entered a community park area where there were shops and restaurants. After we had a little lunch we walk across the green area to the entrance to Derinkuyu. We had museum passes so did not need to buy tickets. The entrance is next to the ticket booth. We scanned our passes and descended some steps to the first level of the underground city. Inside there are arrows, blue pointed towards the exit route, Red indicated the way forward through the different levels of the city. As you moved between levels you would see official guides who would answer questions regarding what you were seeing and who were willing to show you things and lead you further into the city. Keep in mind that this underground city is large but the portion they let you visit is very manageable. We would walk to a level, poke around looking in all the spaces we were allowed to visit then follow the arrows down to the next areas. We found most of the underground spaces to be large so as NOT to be claustrophobic, well ventilated and for the most part even a tall person like me did not need to stoop (I could stand up straight. We spent about 60 minutes exploring before we finished and exited. Using our phone/flashlights when we wanted to venture into smaller tunnels or rooms. When we were finished I was physically sore as I had to step over uneven ground and bend over several times and the ground is generally uneven and it was humid in the caves. But if my wife who is 75 years of age, 30 pounds overweight and not that mobile can do this (her words not mine), then so can you.
Lastly,much has been made about these cities as there are several of them in the cappadocia area. The cities were not built to permanently live in, rather they were a place to raise/house animals in, store food and make wine and if necessary could be a refuge if a city was attacked. This is why the first level of these cities usually were for the animals. the second or third levels frequently is where you were pressing grapes and making wine or milling grains. Subsequent levels served storage purposes and sleeping quarters and in some cases grave were on the lower levels. We visited this city and Kaymakli on the same day. I found Kaymakli a bit quicker to tour but more taxing as the passages were narrower and I have to bend down more often to traverse them. But again, my wife did this so can you unless you are claustrophobic.
Please like this review if you find it helpful.
Lastly,much has been made about these cities as there are several of them in the cappadocia area. The cities were not built to permanently live in, rather they were a place to raise/house animals in, store food and make wine and if necessary could be a refuge if a city was attacked. This is why the first level of these cities usually were for the animals. the second or third levels frequently is where you were pressing grapes and making wine or milling grains. Subsequent levels served storage purposes and sleeping quarters and in some cases grave were on the lower levels. We visited this city and Kaymakli on the same day. I found Kaymakli a bit quicker to tour but more taxing as the passages were narrower and I have to bend down more often to traverse them. But again, my wife did this so can you unless you are claustrophobic.
Please like this review if you find it helpful.
Written 25 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert F
Sandton, South Africa24 contributions
June 2024 • Couples
You only get to see a small portion of this large underground city but the part you see still gives you a sense of it all. This is one of the deeper underground cities and it ends up being about 8 stories deep. The air flow is good and we never felt cramped or claustrophobic. Much of the history is guesswork but still fascinating. Go early to avoid the crowds. The tunnels and narrow and many are too narrow to pass other people going the opposite way. The stone doors that could be rolled into place to block a tunnel were so clever. Probably one hour to see it all.
Written 24 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tanvi D
Bangalore, India156 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Derinkuyu, the underground city near Nevşehir in Turkey, is an absolutely incredible place to visit.
It was built during the Byzantine era, around the 8th century BCE and could house approximately 20,000 people along with their livestock and food stores.
We entered with a museum card, and there was no queue allowing for a relaxed visit.
Make sure to bring warm clothes, as temperatures can drop underground. Wear your most comfortable shoes, as the pathways can be uneven.
If you have knee or back problems, or if you’re asthmatic, proceed with caution due to the claustrophobic spaces and lower oxygen levels.
Visiting Derinkuyu was on our to-do list for Cappadocia, and it did not disappoint. The history, the architecture, and the sheer scale of the underground city make it a must-visit.
It was built during the Byzantine era, around the 8th century BCE and could house approximately 20,000 people along with their livestock and food stores.
We entered with a museum card, and there was no queue allowing for a relaxed visit.
Make sure to bring warm clothes, as temperatures can drop underground. Wear your most comfortable shoes, as the pathways can be uneven.
If you have knee or back problems, or if you’re asthmatic, proceed with caution due to the claustrophobic spaces and lower oxygen levels.
Visiting Derinkuyu was on our to-do list for Cappadocia, and it did not disappoint. The history, the architecture, and the sheer scale of the underground city make it a must-visit.
Written 6 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ANDREA v
2 contributions
June 2024 • Friends
this is first underground city which ı visited .
so interesting.
in summer when outside is hot inside is cold .
it is so big ,bigger than ı expected. some parts are closed .
ı advice to visit with a guide .who explain all ,our guide was so got for that .
ı highly advice to visit here
so interesting.
in summer when outside is hot inside is cold .
it is so big ,bigger than ı expected. some parts are closed .
ı advice to visit with a guide .who explain all ,our guide was so got for that .
ı highly advice to visit here
Written 16 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David L
Jesus Maria, Argentina506 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
This underground city was probably used for food storage, but its main purpose was as a temporary refuge from foreign invasions, with Cappadocia experiencing a steady flow of dominant empires over the centuries. It is the largest excavated underground city in the world and was in use almost constantly for thousands of years, changing hands from the Phrygians to the Persians to the Christians of the Byzantine era. It was finally abandoned in the 1920s by the Greeks of Cappadocia when they were defeated by the Turks. Not only do its cave-shaped rooms stretch for hundreds of miles, but there are thought to be more than 200 separate small underground cities that have also been discovered in the region and may be connected to these tunnels, creating a massive underground network. It's really awesome to visit. While quite expensive in both time and price.
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Written 6 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ting L
Hong Kong, China1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Friends
I recently had the opportunity to visit the underground city of Derinkuyu in Turkey, and it was an unforgettable journey into the depths of history. The city is impressive for its grandeur and the skill of the ancient architects who created this complex underground system.
Derinkuyu is one of the largest and best-preserved underground cities in the Cappadocia region. Walking through its narrow tunnels and spacious chambers, you can feel the spirit of antiquity and imagine how thousands of people lived here, protected from external threats. It's fascinating to discover that the city had schools, churches, food storage areas, and even wine cellars!
Derinkuyu is one of the largest and best-preserved underground cities in the Cappadocia region. Walking through its narrow tunnels and spacious chambers, you can feel the spirit of antiquity and imagine how thousands of people lived here, protected from external threats. It's fascinating to discover that the city had schools, churches, food storage areas, and even wine cellars!
Written 31 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christian L
Amos, Canada50 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
It was an amazing experience. Be aware that the ceilings are sometimes very low, the passages are often narrow and going up and down is physically challenging.
We hesitated between this tour and that of Kaymakli. Our hotel concierge said nobody is disappointed by Derinkuyu. We certainly were not disappointed.
Entry was 13 euros and they accepted the credit card payment.
We hesitated between this tour and that of Kaymakli. Our hotel concierge said nobody is disappointed by Derinkuyu. We certainly were not disappointed.
Entry was 13 euros and they accepted the credit card payment.
Written 10 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fearless08042648510
9 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
It’s not as narrow or overwhelming as everybody is. they’re overwhelmed. All the tunnels are secure. It’s made up of eight floors. Make sure to get the museum card before you go. Mobile entry card can be created quickly. You can purchase it in the card app. Deep the largest underground city in the world. Very beautiful and fun. It’s quieter if you go between 12-13 hours. There are vehicles that travel from Nevşehir to Derinkuyu every half hour, which you can choose.
Automatically translated
Written 13 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much is the entrance fee?
Can we have a guide for 8 people and how much it cost?
Written 15 January 2020
Entrance fee is less than $10, perhaps about $7 if my memory serves me correctly. We paid less than $20 for a group of four.
Written 15 January 2020
My husband is a big guy about 5ft 10 ft and 260lbs. Im concerned that if the passages are so narrow that he wont even be able to fit. What has everyone's experience been?
Also, if we go independently without a guide, are there signs or an audio tour we can take to get the most out of this?
Written 9 May 2019
I have seen people as tall as 6ft in the tunnel. As long as you are not morbidly obese, have spine/back problem, the elderly, anyone with difficulty walking stairs or anyone with respiratory issue/asthma, this trip shouldn't be an issue. To be very honest, you should take hire a tour guide, to explain the routes and the purpose of the various rooms/ cave. Otherwise, you may take any green tour (Euro 35) that takes you from Goreme to Derinkuyu Yeralti Sehri and other locations with lunch included which are hard to access by yourself.
Written 10 May 2019
Hallo, how can i get to your museum from Gereme
Written 9 March 2019
Hello! I was with friends, we rented a car. I know that there is a bus or a minibus, but it is better to check the schedule at the hotel or at the station
Written 10 March 2019
Hola Marcelo. Quería preguntarte si podes contratar un guía directamente en la entrada de la Ciudad? Buscamos guía en español. Saludos
Written 5 September 2016
Yo no encontré ningún guia en español, tal vez porque era temporada baja, tuve que tomar un tour en inglés.
Written 7 September 2016
Been reading that one needs to be physically fit to attempt Derinkuyu. Am heading to Cappadocia in October and am wondering whether to do or skip this site . I am not able to undertake 200 steps at a go. I can do it if I go slowly and rest every 20 steps or so?
Written 26 July 2015
In fact the problem deals with the size of the body. In some cases the path is so narrow that it was extremely difficult for me to fit, being 1,93 m tall and weighing 120 kg. Of course there are many steps to climb downstairs and then upstairs. However, even for the cases where the steps end, the floor is not flat. Of course there are many places where you can have rest and let the other groups passing by. In general I strongly recommend skipping this particular site. In fact there are so many places worth seeing in Kapadokya. Of course, if your group visits the site, you can have tasty gozleme in the surrounding places as well as a Christian church to visit near by. Not to mention being claustrophobic nor the humidity.
Written 28 July 2015
Hi! can anybody tell me how long does it take the visit to both Derinkuyu and/or Kaymaki underground cities? I'm trying to organise my schedule and I'd appreciate any information. I don't take any tours, I travel solo. Thanks so much.
Written 7 July 2015
Hola!!!Te aconsejo tomar excursion guiada,es apasionante la historia que alli hay.Excursion dura casi dos horas.Vale la pena ir.
Written 8 July 2015
quiero ir a capadocia,pero somos de 70 y 75 años y no se si puedo hacer ese tour por las largas escaleras, hay otro forma de hacerlo
Written 19 April 2015
Hi Mnataro
What Museum card did you have? Was it the Istanbul card or the localised Goreme card? And how much and from where can I get it?
thanks for the help and safe traveling
Colin
Written 25 March 2015
i bought from the goreme open air museum - excellent value for money. The Museum Pass allows you to visit the so called “7 Wonders of Cappadocia”. The price of the card is 45 TL (15 Euros) and is valid for three consecutive days
Written 25 March 2015
MRRJr
Sydney, Australia
201 contributions
How much is the admission fee and the guide's fee?
Written 17 February 2015
I posted an answer, but it depends on whether you are free-wheeling, on a personal tour, or a "package tour." We utilized a last-minute tour set up thru our hotel, and it could not have been better! Admission and guide's fee: admission is set (or included in your package), but guide tip is up to you. Ask around Be generous, as this is their primary source of income.
Written 19 February 2015
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