Mazı Underground City

Mazı Underground City

Located 10 kilometers east of Kaymaklı Underground City in Nevşehir and 18 kilometers south of Ürgüp, the Mazı Underground City was named after the village where it was discovered. The underground city was accidentally found by a shepherd and was opened to visitors in 1995 after undergoing some restoration work.

Mazı Underground City

The ancient village is situated in a tranquil valley and features rock tombs from the Early Roman and Byzantine periods. It is believed that the underground city dates back to the same era, several centuries ago.

The 8-story underground city had entrances from four different locations and was covered with sloping rocks featuring holes in the middle for lances, providing protection against invaders. Interestingly, troughs carved into the rock and wider than other barn entrances indicate the people were skilled at animal husbandry during that period. It is estimated that around 6,000 people lived in the Mazı Underground City at one time for up to a month.

The underground city comprises a 20-meter deep well, a grape house, a cellar, and other living spaces. However, it stands out from other underground cities due to its grandeur. Its church has a concealed chimney that leads to other sections of the cave system. Small stepholes are carved into the chimney to facilitate climbing. With its vast size and numerous tunnels, it is possibly as large as Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı. The cave system even includes facilities believed to have been used for bathrooms!