Derinkuyu Underground City Facts & Figures
How deep, how old, how much, how far — the verified numbers for Derinkuyu Underground City in one place.
| Attraction | Derinkuyu Underground City |
| Location | Derinkuyu town, Nevşehir Province, Cappadocia, Turkey |
| Maximum depth | About 85 metres |
| Levels open to visitors | 8 |
| Estimated share of full network open | Around 10% |
| Estimated capacity | Up to about 20,000 people, with livestock and stores |
| Main ventilation shaft depth | About 55 metres |
| Underground temperature | Around 10–15°C year-round |
| Rock type | Volcanic tuff (compacted ash) |
| Debated origin | Possibly Phrygian, c. 8th–7th century BC |
| Peak use | Byzantine era, as a refuge during raids |
| Defensive feature | Circular rolling stone doors, sealed from inside |
| Notable rooms | Church/chapel, school, stables, kitchens, wine or oil presses |
| Rediscovered | 1963 |
| Opened to visitors | 1965 |
| Admission (2026) | About 13 euro (~US$14), paid on site |
| Turkey Museum Pass | Accepted |
| Summer hours (Apr–Oct) | Approx. 08:00–19:00 |
| Winter hours (Nov–Mar) | Approx. 08:00–17:00 |
| Last entry | About one hour before closing |
| Typical time inside | About 1–1.5 hours |
| Distance from Nevşehir | About 30 km south |
| Distance from Göreme | About 40 km (40–50 min by car) |
| Nearest major underground city | Kaymaklı, about 10 km north |
| Kaymaklı connecting tunnel | Reported at several km; not on the visitable route |
| Underground cities in Cappadocia | Roughly three dozen |
| Rank by depth | Deepest excavated in Cappadocia |
| Wheelchair accessible | No — steep, narrow stairs |
| Strollers | Not advised; carry young children |
| Photography | Allowed; low light, flash of little use |
| UNESCO context | Within Göreme NP & Rock Sites of Cappadocia (inscribed 1985) |
| Country and region | Turkey, Central Anatolia (Cappadocia) |
Figures checked against official Cappadocia tourism and heritage sources in August 2026. Prices and hours are set locally and can change — confirm current details on arrival.