Audio Guide of Kaymakli Underground City

Kaymakli Underground City is usually open every day from 8:00 to 17:00 in winter (November to March) and from 8:00 to 19:00 in summer (April to October). To access it, the main entrance is clearly signposted in the town of Kaymakli. We recommend checking the latest opening hours on the official website of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism: Museums of Turkey.

The entrance fee is 60 TL (Turkish lira) per person based on my latest update. It is generally free for children under 6, and you can use the Museum Pass Cappadocia or Museum Pass Turkey if you have one. I recommend checking the latest price at the ticket office or on the official website before your visit.

For a good experience and to explore the main galleries without rushing, it is recommended to allow between 1 and 2 hours for the visit. If you are very detail-oriented or especially interested in the historical aspects, you may want to stay a bit longer. Keep in mind that some sections can be narrow.

Kaymakli Underground City is one of the largest and best-preserved underground cities in Cappadocia, used from the early Byzantine period by Christians to escape Arab and Persian invasions. It served as a temporary refuge, with stables, kitchens, wine cellars, chapels, and even a medical dispensary. Its importance lies in how it demonstrates the ingenuity of its inhabitants in ensuring survival and community life underground.

The best time to visit is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), when the weather is milder and there are fewer tourists than in summer. If you visit in high season, try to go early in the morning (right at opening time) or late in the afternoon, before closing, to avoid the largest tour groups.

Unfortunately, Kaymakli Underground City is not accessible for wheelchairs or people with very limited mobility. It consists of multiple levels connected by steep stairs and narrow, low passages that may require crouching. It is not recommended for people with claustrophobia or respiratory problems.

Very close to Kaymakli is Derinkuyu Underground City, another impressive underground city and even deeper. You can also explore Ihlara Valley, a canyon with rock-cut churches, or visit the rock formations known as the Fairy Chimneys and the Göreme Open Air Museum, both part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. For more information, you can visit the official Cappadocia tourism website: Go Türkiye - Cappadocia.

Yes, I recommend wearing comfortable, non-slip shoes, as the ground can be uneven. It is advisable to bring a light jacket even in summer, as the temperature inside the underground city is cool. If you are prone to claustrophobia, keep that in mind before entering. Flash photography is prohibited in order to preserve the structures. Consider hiring a local guide to better understand the history of each chamber.