Derinkuyu is 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). This is also confirmed by numerous archaeological finds. A little later mazes expanded other peoples. Present here underground schools, churches, and even wine cellars clearly indicate that these caves lived the Christian community.

The city was discovered in 1963, partially researched and already in 1965, it was opened to tourists. The underground city is situated on eight levels and covers an area of 1500 sq m. Presumably, it was built in the VI-X centuries. Now for free access, only 10 % of the territory.

Underground galleries are pretty well covered, here, by the way, has a ventilation system built by the builders of these "caves" (interesting is the fact that only on the first floor found the ventilation shaft, they are more than fifteen thousand is a hugely complex system for such an early period). They were masked on the outside of the wells, but actually, through these moves, it was possible to get inside the city. They are quite deep, and the lower parts reach ground water, which the locals used for water supply.

The size of this settlement is still not finally clarified, as many drifts and manholes are too narrow, some of them even a child can hardly get through (according to the archaeologists that excavated until only the fourth part of the total premises).

The main halls just staggers the imagination with its sheer size, levels go back to 50-55 meters, and one tunnel reaches a depth of as much as 9 kilometers. Before visiting the city, you definitely should bring some warm clothes as the temperature inside rises above +15 degrees Celsius.

In the underground city, you can see a large number of huge stone discs. They were used as doors and closed from prying access to certain rooms or entire floors. They were designed to open a door only from the inside.

Everywhere include different workshops, which produced everything needed for an extended stay. In the city you can find a bakery with stones, which pounded the flour, a winery, several kitchens, pottery workshops, press for oil pressing, and more. There are also dungeons and several barns, stables, warehouses and wine cellars. If you climb the stairs, between the third and fourth floors can detect a small Church a cruciform shape.

The main difference from the rest of Derinkuyu underground cities is a large room located on the second floor with beautiful vaulted ceilings, which was used as a theological College. Near it there are several smaller rooms, used for the same purposes.

You should not refuse the services of a guide during a visit to Derinkuyu, even if you prefer to explore independently. The city is built so that it could focus only living in there people, so without the man who knows all the paths and roads, you can easily get lost or go astray. Also it should be borne in mind that the farther you go down, the ceiling height becomes smaller, not exceeding in some areas and 160 centimeters, and the tunnels become. Going down low enough, some tourists are experiencing mild panic.

Despite the beauty of the underground city, there are also many interesting things to explore. A hundred metres in a southerly direction from the city is beautiful, though a bit dark Greek Orthodox monastery. He is now abandoned, although it began its existence as a Christian Church. It will be possible to visit, if you find a custodian that will open it.

There are wells and chapels. Leads down a low tunnel, the sides of which are empty chamber.

To get in Derinkuyu can from Nevsehir and Aksaray by bus. In addition, you can arrange a day tour to Goreme or Avanos.