Derinkuyu - an ancient underground city, located 29 km south of Nevsehir. Derinkuyu is the largest underground structures in Cappadocia and the largest underground city in Turkey. The city's name translates from Turkish as "deep well." Derinkuyu is connected by tunnels to other underground cities of Cappadocia, including Kaymakli.

Archaeologists claim that the origin of this underground city refers to the days when this land was inhabited by the Hittites (1900-1200 BC. E.). This is also evidenced by numerous archaeological finds. A little later mazes expanded other nations. The participants are underground schools, churches and even wine cellars clearly indicate that these caves were living Christian communities.

The city was found in 1963, and has already partially explored in 1965 it was opened to the tourists. Underground city is located on eight levels, and covers an area of ​​1500 sq m. Presumably, it was built in the VI-X centuries. Now open for free access only 10% of the territory.

Underground galleries pretty well covered here, by the way, has a system of ventilation, built builders of these "caves" (interesting is the fact that only in the first tier discovered ventilation shafts, their more than fifteen thousand - an unprecedentedly complex system for such an early period). They were concealed under the exterior wells, but in fact, through these passages could get inside the city. They are deep enough, and the lower part of their reach groundwater, which the locals have used for water supply.

The size of the settlement has not yet been definitively clarified, as many drifts and manholes are too narrow, some of which even a child could hardly get through (archeologists believe that as long as excavated only a quarter of the total volume of space).

The main halls simply stagger the imagination for its huge size, go deep into the floor at 50-55 meters and a drift reaches a depth of as much as 9 kilometers. Before visiting the city you should definitely take along some warm clothing, as the temperature inside does not rise above 15 degrees Celsius.

The underground city, you can see a lot of huge stone disks. They are used as the doors and closed from outsiders access to certain rooms or whole floors. They have such a structure that a door opening could only from the inside.

There were located throughout a variety of workshops, which produced everything necessary for long-term residence. In the city you can find a bakery with a stone, which pounded flour, winery, several kitchens, pottery, Press streak for oils and more. There are also several caves and barns, stables, warehouses and wineries. If you climb the stairs, between the third and fourth floor you can find a small church cruciform shape.

The main difference from the rest of Derinkuyu underground cities - a large room on the second floor, has a beautiful vaulted ceiling, which was used as a religious school. Near it is located a few smaller rooms, used for the same purposes.

Do not give up the services of the guide during a visit Derinkuyu, even if you no longer enjoy sightseeing on their own. The town was built in such a way that it could only be guided to where people live, so without the person who knows all the paths and roads, you can easily get lost or go astray. Also worth more to keep in mind that the further you go down down, the ceiling height becomes smaller, not exceeding in some areas and 160 centimeters, and tunnels become narrower. Going down low enough, some tourists experience a mild panic.

Despite the beauty of the underground city, on the surface there are too many interesting things to explore. A hundred meters to the south of the city is beautiful, though a bit gloomy Greek Orthodox monastery. He is now abandoned, but comes into existence once the Christian church. It will be able to visit, if you find a guard who opens it.

The city has wells and chapels. Down Low leads the tunnel on both sides of which are empty chamber.

Getting in is possible from Derinkuyu Nevşehir and Aksaray bus. In addition, you can arrange a day trip in Goreme and Avanos.