Kaymakli Underground City is one of the most popular attractions in Cappadocia, a region in central Turkey known for its unique landscape and rich history. The underground city is located in the town of Kaymakli, about 20 km south of Nevsehir, and is believed to have been carved into the soft volcanic rock over 2,500 years ago.

The city is a labyrinth of tunnels, rooms, and passages that extend over several levels, reaching a depth of around 85 meters. It is estimated that the city could have accommodated up to 3,000 people, who would have used the underground space as a refuge during times of war or persecution.

The city was discovered by chance in the 1960s when a local resident was renovating his house and discovered a secret room behind a wall. This led to the discovery of a vast underground network of tunnels and rooms, which turned out to be the Kaymakli Underground City.

Visitors to the underground city can explore several levels, each of which would have had a different function, such as storage rooms, kitchens, and living quarters. The tunnels and passages are narrow and low, so visitors need to be prepared to bend and crouch to move around. Some of the rooms are also quite small, so visitors may need to crawl or stoop to enter them.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the underground city is the ingenious ventilation system that was built into it. The city was designed with a series of air shafts and chimneys that allowed fresh air to circulate throughout the underground space, ensuring that the inhabitants had a constant supply of oxygen.

Overall, the Kaymakli Underground City is a remarkable feat of engineering and a testament to the ingenuity of the people who built it. It is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Cappadocia and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture.