Derinkuyu Underground City: An Incredible Ancient Wonder
For anyone with a passion for history and archaeology, the Derinkuyu Underground City in the Nevsehir Province of Turkey is an absolute must-see. This incredible underground city, which is believed to have been built in the 8th-7th centuries BC, is one of the largest and most impressive ancient wonders of the world.
What is Derinkuyu Underground City?
Derinkuyu is an ancient multi-level underground city that was used as a place of refuge in times of danger or attack. It is the deepest underground city in Turkey, and it is believed to have been constructed by the Phrygians, an ancient Indo-European people who lived in Central Anatolia.
The city is approximately 60 meters deep and consists of 18 floors, though only 8 of them are currently accessible. It is estimated that the city could have housed up to 20,000 people, and it features a complex system of tunnels, ventilation shafts, tombs, storage rooms, and even churches.
Features of Derinkuyu Underground City
The Derinkuyu Underground City is an amazing feat of engineering and construction, and it has many fascinating features that make it a unique archaeological site.
- Tunnels: The city is connected to other underground cities by a complex network of tunnels, some of which are more than 5 kilometers long.
- Staircases: The city is connected by a series of staircases, which allowed for quick and easy access to the different levels of the city.
- Ventilation Shafts: The city features a series of ventilation shafts that allowed for air flow and ventilation.
- Storage Rooms: The city features many storage rooms, which were used to store food and other supplies.
- Churches: The city also features a number of churches, which were used for religious ceremonies.
- Tombs: There are also a number of tombs located within the city, which were used to bury the dead.
Why Visit Derinkuyu Underground City?
Derinkuyu Underground City is an incredible archaeological site that is filled with fascinating features and stories. It provides a unique opportunity to explore an ancient city that was once home to thousands of people.
Visiting the city is an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of the amazing feats of engineering and construction that were achieved by the Phrygians.
How to Visit Derinkuyu Underground City
Derinkuyu Underground City is located in the Nevsehir Province of Turkey, and it is open to visitors year-round. The city is accessible by car, and there is a small entrance fee of 5 Turkish lira per person.
The city is open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and it is recommended that visitors bring a flashlight as some of the tunnels and staircases can be dark.
Conclusion
Derinkuyu Underground City is an incredible ancient wonder that is filled with fascinating features and stories. It is an absolute must-see for anyone with a passion for history and archaeology, and it provides a unique opportunity to explore an ancient city that was once home to thousands of people.