Underground Oasis: Explore Kaymakli's Ancient City Beneath Cappadocia

Jan 9

Explore the Wonders of Cappadocia and Kaymakli’s Underground Oasis with your Friends!

Cappadocia and Kaymakli’s Underground Oasis

If you’re looking for a unique adventure to experience with your friends, plan a trip to Cappadocia and Kaymakli’s Underground Oasis! This region in Turkey is famous for its stunning landscapes, ancient cities, and underground cave cities.

Here are some of the highlights of Cappadocia and Kaymakli that make it a perfect destination for your next trip with friends:

Hot Air Ballooning Over the Fairy Chimneys: Take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia's beautiful and unusual rock formations. These natural wonders are called fairy chimneys; you can see them from a bird’s eye view with your friends – an unforgettable experience!
Caving and Hiking in Rose Valley: The Rose Valley offers adventure enthusiasts fantastic hiking and caving opportunities. The valley is famous for its pink-coloured rocks, unique rock formations, and hidden cave churches, making it a perfect spot to take a scenic hike or try rock climbing.
Exploring the Underground Cities: Visit Kaymakli’s underground city, a significant tourist attraction. The city has eight underground levels that you can explore. The city served as a shelter and a place to hide from the enemies during wars, making it a fascinating piece of history to explore.
Take a Walk through the Ihlara Valley: Hike through the beautiful Ihlara Valley, famous for its lush greenery and clean water running through the valley. The valley is also home to countless ancient cave dwellings and churches carved into the rocks. A leisurely walk through the valley with your friends will soothe your soul and rejuvenate your senses.

Cappadocia and Kaymakli’s Underground Oasis should be on your travel list if you want to experience a unique and exciting adventure with your friends. The stunning landscapes and underground cities are just a few reasons this destination will leave you and your friends with unforgettable memories!

History of Cappadocia and Kaymakli

Cappadocia and Kaymakli have a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Here's a brief overview of the formation of unique geological structures and the role of these places in ancient civilizations.

Formation of Unique Geological Structures

Cappadocia's unique geological formations were created by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The ash, lava, and other debris eventually formed soft rocks later eroded by wind and water, leaving behind unusual shapes and formations like the fairy chimneys.

Cappadocian Civilizations: Hittite, Persian and Roman Empire

Over time, many civilizations have settled in Cappadocia, including the Hittite, Persian, and Roman empires. These societies built their homes and cities using the soft rocks, creating underground dwellings and cave cities.

The Role of Kaymakli in the Cappadocian Civilization

Kaymakli is one of the most impressive underground cities in Cappadocia. It was built by the Christian communities as a shelter from persecution. The city has eight levels; the deepest level reaches 80 meters underground. It served as a crucial defence mechanism during times of war.

Nowadays, these sites have become tourist attractions, and people from all over the world come to explore this region's unique and fascinating history.

If you're planning a trip with your friends, Cappadocia and Kaymakli's underground oasis should be on your list. You can experience hot air balloon rides, do some cave exploring, hike through the beautiful valleys, and learn about the ancient civilizations that once thrived in this region. It will undoubtedly be a memorable and exciting adventure!

What Makes Kaymakli’s Ancient City So Special?

The Largest Underground City Built by People

Kaymakli is one of the largest underground cities in Cappadocia. It was built by the early Christian communities to protect themselves from persecution during the Roman Empire. The city has eight floors, but only four are currently open to visitors. The underground city has a ventilation system that keeps the air fresh and cool.

The Unique Architecture of Kaymaklı’s Underground City.

One of the most unique things about Kaymakli is its architecture. The city was built with a defence mechanism in mind, with winding tunnels, storage rooms that could be sealed off, and a complex ventilation system. Each floor had a different function: the ground floor was for animals, the first floor was for kitchens and living spaces, and the other floors were for storage and defence.

The tunnels are narrow and steep, with some having low ceilings, so it's important to be careful when exploring the underground city. However, the effort is worth it, as visitors can experience an extraordinary adventure through the city's labyrinthine tunnels.

Kaymakli's underground city is a testament to the resourcefulness and resilience of the people who built it. A visit to Kaymakli will take you back to the early days of Christianity, providing insight into the harsh conditions in which these early Christians lived.

Kaymakli's underground city is a fascinating destination that allows visitors to experience an ancient world like no other. It's undoubtedly a memorable and exciting adventure that should be on your list when exploring Cappadocia with your friends.

Exploration of the Underground City

Guided Tours of the Underground City

Ready for a memorable adventure? If yes, exploring Kaymakli's underground city should be on your list. The underground city's vastness can be challenging to navigate, but guided tours help visitors explore the city's secrets while enjoying a fun-filled experience.

Expert guides will reveal the city's rich history and how early Christian communities built it as a refuge. A guided tour can last for around two hours, during which you'll learn about the different settlements in the underground city, their functions, and their inhabitants' way of life in their hidden world.

Areas of Interest in Kaymakli’s Underground City

As you move through Kaymakli's underground city, you'll come across various exciting areas with incredible architecture and rich history. The ground floor was reserved for animals, including camels and sheep. Venturing further down to the first floor, you'll see massive stones rolled over the entrance to protect you from intruders.

On the same floor, you'll explore ancient kitchens with breathtaking smoke outlets. At every point, you'll come across deep wells used for water resources and air conditioning. The underground city's defence works extended to secret tunnels used for escaping from enemies during invasions.

Additionally, visiting the city's meeting hall will give you a sense of community and spirituality. A maze of tunnels will take you to the remarkable underground church, where you'll marvel at the frescoes and ancient symbols adorning the walls.

Don't leave Cappadocia without visiting Kaymakli's underground city, a one-of-a-kind experience. The vast combination of culture, architecture, history, and adventure make it one of the most memorable places to visit in Cappadocia with friends.

Visiting Kaymakli Underground City

What You Should Know Before Visiting Kaymakli Underground City

So, you have decided to explore the underground city of Kaymakli? Great! Here are a few things you should know before visiting:

The underground city can be dark and narrow, so it's best to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight if possible.
Remember that the temperature inside the underground city is relatively cool, but drinking plenty of water's still a good idea.
If you're claustrophobic or have difficulty navigating spaces with low ceilings, the underground city might not be your best option.
Kaymakli's underground city is one of Cappadocia's most popular tourist attractions, so plan to arrive early or book your tickets in advance to avoid crowds.

Planning Your Trip and Logistics

When planning your visit to Kaymakli's underground city, keep in mind the following:

Guided tours are highly recommended and typically last around two hours.
Various local companies offer guided tours in different languages, so research and book in advance.
The admission fee for the underground city is affordable and includes a guided tour. Children under the age of 8 can enter for free.
You can take a taxi or a local bus to reach the underground city from the city centre of Kaymakli. You can park in the designated parking lot near the entrance if you have a rental car.

Once you arrive, the expert guides will take you through the various levels of the underground city, revealing its rich history, architectural features, and fascinating way of life. You'll see everything from underground kitchens and storage spaces to a vast meeting hall and a hidden church.

Visiting Kaymakli's underground city is a must-see experience during your Cappadocia adventure. With proper planning and the right mindset, you'll have a memorable time exploring the hidden world beneath the surface.

Accommodation Choices in Cappadocia

Luxury Hotels in Cappadocia

If you're looking to splurge on your trip to Cappadocia, several luxury hotels will provide you with an unforgettable experience:

The Museum Hotel: This award-winning hotel offers stunning views of the Cappadocia landscape and a unique collection of artefacts from the Hittite, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.
Argos in Cappadocia: This hotel is nestled in the heart of an ancient monastery and features elegantly decorated rooms, multiple restaurants, and a luxurious spa.
Sultan Cave Suites: This hotel is carved into the rocks and offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Some of the suites even have private balconies or terraces.

Budget Hotels in Cappadocia

If you're travelling on a budget, don't worry! There are plenty of affordable accommodation options in Cappadocia:

Heybe Hotel: This charming hotel is located in the centre of Goreme and offers comfortable rooms for a fraction of the price of some of the luxury hotels in the area.
Kelebek Special Cave Hotel: This hotel features traditional cave rooms with modern amenities and is within walking distance of the Goreme Open Air Museum.
Travellers Cave Pension: This family-run hotel offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and is a great option for budget-conscious travellers.

No matter your budget or preferences, there is a Cappadocia hotel that will suit your needs. Book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure you get the best possible rates and availability.

Consider your priority and budget when finding the perfect place to stay during your Cappadocia adventure. The options mentioned above will help you get started, but plenty of other choices exist.

Food and Drinks in Cappadocia

Cappadocia’s Cuisine

Regarding Cappadocia's cuisine, get ready for a delicious adventure. The region's traditional dishes mix Turkic, Armenian, and Greek influences. The cuisine revolves around simple ingredients such as meat, vegetables, yoghurt, goat cheese, and spices like paprika, cumin, and sumac. Some of the must-try dishes include:

Testi kebab: This dish is prepared by slow-cooking meat and vegetables in a clay pot and served in the same pot. The pot is broken open at the table, and the dish is served hot.
Manti: Manti is a Turkish dumpling filled with spiced ground beef or lamb and served with yoghurt and chilli sauce.
Gözleme: Gözleme is a type of filled flatbread cooked on a griddle. The filling can include cheese, potato, spinach, or meat.

Traditional Restaurants and Café

One of the best ways to experience the local cuisine is by visiting traditional restaurants and cafés. Here are some of the best places to try:

Topdeck Cave Restaurant: This restaurant offers Turkish and international cuisine. With stunning views and live music in the evenings, it's a perfect spot for a romantic dinner.
Dibek Restaurant: This restaurant specializes in traditional Turkish cuisine and serves meals in a cosy atmosphere. The highlight of the menu is the Testi kebab.
Cafe Safak: This café is a great spot to start your day with a Turkish breakfast with cheese, olives, fresh bread, and tea.
Fat Boys' Cafe: This café offers a range of dishes from sandwiches to salads and soups. They also offer a variety of freshly brewed coffee options.

In addition to these options, watch for street food vendors, especially in the towns' central squares. They offer quick bites like stuffed pastries, roasted chestnuts, or sesame-covered simit bread. So, don't forget to treat your taste buds in Cappadocia!

Activities in Cappadocia and Kaymakli

Hiking Trails in Cappadocia

Are you a lover of the outdoors and want to explore Cappadocia's stunning landscape? Why not try hiking one of the region's many trails? There are trails suitable for all levels of fitness and skills. The Red and Rose Valley trail is an excellent option that takes you through the iconic rock formations and into a beautiful rural area. The path starts in Goreme, and the scenic walk offers spectacular views of the valleys below.

If you're looking for a more challenging hike, the Pigeon Valley trail is just for you. The trail is longer but offers breathtaking scenery, including ancient pigeon homes carved into the rock and a stunning viewpoint overlooking the valley.

Hot Air Balloon Rides in Cappadocia

One of the must-do activities when visiting Cappadocia is taking a hot air balloon ride. The balloon rides start early in the morning and provide an unforgettable experience as you soar over the fairy chimneys and rock formations. You'll also catch stunning sunrise views, giving you a unique region perspective. Several companies offer hot air balloon rides, so book in advance.

After the balloon ride, why not take a trip to Kaymakli? Kaymakli is a town close to Cappadocia that houses an entire underground city with over 100 tunnels, eight floors, and plenty of hidden rooms. Exploring this ancient underground city is guaranteed an experience you will never forget.

There's no shortage of exciting things to do in Cappadocia and Kaymakli, so prepare for an adventurous trip. Whether hiking the trails or exploring underground cities, there is something for everyone. So, pack your bags, and don't forget to bring your sense of adventure on your trip to the beautiful Cappadocia and Kaymakli!