Discover Derinkuyu: Underground City, Churches and Culture Park

Derinkuyu offers several distinct themes to consider when planning your trip: the underground city and its levels, Aziz Theodoros Trion Kilisesi with its decorative artwork, and Hakkı Atamulu Culture Park. This lets you choose between architecture underground, church history and art in the park. The following tips complement these cultural highlights with information on visiting hours and road directions.

The Underground City and Its Route

The underground city opened to visitors in 1965. Cappadocia’s geological formations made its construction possible. It comprises eight underground levels, with rooms capable of accommodating and supplying a large community. The city is estimated to have housed around 20,000 people. Documented areas also include a missionary school and a baptismal font. These features show that, alongside places to stay and obtain supplies, the underground city also served religious functions.

Not all levels are open to visitors. The accessible route extends to the eighth level, 55 meters below ground. Check the current route again before your visit. The underground city is open daily from 08:00 to 18:45; you should also verify these opening hours before travelling. The MüzeKart is valid there for Turkish citizens. As ticketing rules may change, it is advisable to check in advance.

Church History and Decorative Artwork

Aziz Theodoros Trion Kilisesi was built in 1856 for the local Greek community and opened for worship on May 15, 1858. Its exterior features reliefs with grape motifs, which is why the church is also known as Üzümlü Kilise. It is also distinguished by its rich architectural sculptural decoration and high-quality monumental wall paintings. Its building history, façade details and interior each offer a different perspective on this historic building.

According to tradition, a spring service was held each May at Üzümlü Kilise, attended by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. If you wish to travel specifically for this occasion, check the current dates in advance.

Hakkı Atamulu Culture Park

Hakkı Atamulu Culture Park covers 100,000 square meters. Pine trees and many other tree and plant species grow there. The park includes an amphitheater, a roller-skating area, a swimming pool, a library and a children’s playground. The park thus combines landscaped green spaces with cultural and community-oriented facilities.

The park contains 15 works and sculptures by Hakkı Atamulu. A 9.15-meter-high statue depicts Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in a marshal’s uniform. Derinkuyu Park Mosque also bears Atamulu’s design influence: he designed it, and it is considered an important example of modern architecture. The sculptures and mosque therefore provide different focal points alongside the planting and other park facilities.

Further History and Getting There

In the wider Derinkuyu area, the history of Baş Melekler Kilisesi tells of a change of use. The church closed for worship in 1924. In 1949, Tahsin Ertaş from Derinkuyu bought the building, donated it to the Presidency of Religious Affairs and had it converted into a mosque. Today it is used as Derinkuyu Cumhuriyet Camii.

Also in the wider area is the underground monastery of Aya Maryeros. It dates from the Byzantine period and, according to tradition, is said to have been used as the world’s first psychiatric hospital. The complex consists of tunnels, living areas, various rooms, a cellar and galleries carved into the rock. A historian gives its depth as 10 to 15 meters below the surface.

Derinkuyu can only be reached by road. The town is on the Niğde–Nevşehir road, with direct road connections to Kayseri, Nevşehir, Aksaray and Niğde. Check current route conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Uçhisar, Çavuşin, Gülşehir, Boğaz, Ayvali, Hacıbektaş, Yeşilöz Köyü, Mazı.

For the broader travel overview: Nevşehir.