Cappadocia - Underground Cities

Also in this region are a number of underground cities which were used by Christians as places to retreat to and live in until danger from their enemies had passed. These cities were well-hidden and safe. There were rooms for grain storage, stables, sleeping chambers, kitchens, wells and air shafts. Today they are well-lit and fascinating to explore.The underground city of Derinkuyu, about 50 kms south of Goreme, was at one time the home of up to 20,000 people. There are 8 floors of tunnels open to the visitor. The ventilation shafts, circular and descending from the surface to the lower levels, bring home the scale of the labyrinth, Massive circular doors were rolled across the passages to seal the occupants safely inside. There are 37 subterranean settlements in the area although only a few are open to the public. Kaymakli, 10 kilometers to the north of Derinkuyu, is smaller and less excavated with 5 accessible levels.