The Great Stable
A spacious hall with carved niches for feeding animals, showing the scale of the city's livestock.
The origins of Mazı Underground City (ancient name Mataza) date back to the early Roman and Byzantine periods. Unlike the underground cities built on flat plains, Mazı was carved into a valley wall, which allowed for better natural drainage and multiple access points across the cliff face.
The city is known for its high level of craftsmanship. The ventilation system is remarkably efficient, ensuring that even the deepest rooms received fresh air. One of the most unique features is the "bathroom" area, which is a rarity in many other underground settlements, showing that the inhabitants of Mazı prioritized hygiene even while living in hiding.
As you descend, you will notice the well systems. These were designed so that the villagers could draw water without ever going to the surface, a crucial feature during long sieges. The city also includes large communal kitchens with hearths and storage pits (pithoi) for wine, grain, and oil.
Today, Mazı remains a "hidden gem." Because it is not a primary stop on the standard tourist "Green Tour," visitors can enjoy the echoes of history in silence. The tunnels lead to various rooms including wineries and living quarters, all interconnected by a complex web of stairs and sloping paths.