The Cappadocia region of Turkey is known for its “fairy chimney” cave dwellings, making it one of the most unique places to visit in Turkey, but what lies beneath the surface is just as impressive. Cappadocia was one of the earliest Christian settlements, and to avoid persecution, many people lived underground. We’re talking thousands.
Imagine doing some renovations to your house and finding a hidden doorway to lead to the largest underground city is Turkey. That is exactly how Derinkuyu was discovered in 1963. The underground city, which is large enough to have sheltered 20,000 people together with their livestock, has since been excavated.
Tourists can wander through the narrow tunnels and passageways and see the labyrinth of cave systems that include places for livestock, churches and wineries. They really did have everything they needed under the earth’s surface!