Mazı Underground City Cappadocia
Explore Mazi Underground City, a hidden Cappadocian marvel carved into rock, offering a glimpse into ancient life with its tunnels, chambers, and chur...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy solitude before crowds
Mazı Underground City Cappadocia
Best Time
Enjoy solitude before crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Mazi Underground City, a hidden Cappadocian marvel carved into rock, offering a glimpse into ancient life with its tunnels, chambers, and church.
"A lovely hidden gem, much cheaper and less crowded than other underground cities!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Peace
Be one of the first visitors to explore the tunnels in peace before large tour groups arrive. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Arrange Your Transport
Public transport is scarce. Pre-book a taxi or private transfer to Mazi village for a smooth journey. :bus:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Living Quarters
Various levels
Explore the intricate network of rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and stables carved into the rock, offering a glimpse into daily life centuries ago.
Underground Church
Lower levels
Discover the surprisingly well-preserved church, complete with a bolt stone for controlled access, showcasing the spiritual heart of the ancient settlement.
Control Bolt Stones
Entrances and corridors
Marvel at the ingenious large bolt stones used to secure entrances and control access, a testament to the defensive architecture of the time.
Communication Holes & Wells
Connecting levels
Imagine how residents communicated and accessed water through strategically placed holes and wells connecting the city's various levels.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Getting There
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Peace
Be one of the first visitors to explore the tunnels in peace before large tour groups arrive. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Arrange Your Transport
Public transport is scarce. Pre-book a taxi or private transfer to Mazi village for a smooth journey. :bus:
💰 Great Value
Mazi Underground City is significantly cheaper than other major sites in Cappadocia. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Explore with a Guide
Consider hiring a guide at the ticket booth for deeper insights into the history and architecture. :man_teacher:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Peace
Be one of the first visitors to explore the tunnels in peace before large tour groups arrive. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Arrange Your Transport
Public transport is scarce. Pre-book a taxi or private transfer to Mazi village for a smooth journey. :bus:
💰 Great Value
Mazi Underground City is significantly cheaper than other major sites in Cappadocia. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Explore with a Guide
Consider hiring a guide at the ticket booth for deeper insights into the history and architecture. :man_teacher:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months, as you'll be exploring underground for a couple of hours. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Mazi Underground City for its historical significance, well-preserved features, and significantly lower entrance fees compared to other Cappadocian sites. Many appreciate the opportunity to explore without overwhelming crowds, especially if arriving early. However, the limited public transport to the village is a recurring point of inconvenience for some travelers.
"Mazı village, whose ancient name was "Mataza", is 18 km south of Ürgüp and 10 km east of Kaymaklı Underground City. Today, only 2 floors of the underground city, which is thought to have four floors, can be visited. Four entrances were identified in different places, the main entrance is through a corridor made of irregular stones. The large bolt stone in the short corridor ensures the entrance and exit of the underground city under control. The small room in the interior is made for the sliding stone to move easily. The barns spread over large areas of the underground settlement are no different from the others. From the stables, a short corridor leads to the church of the underground city. The entrance of this place can be closed with a bolt stone. The underground city, the Mazı Underground City Landscaping Project, which was closed to visitors since 2003 due to the safety of life due to collapses, was completed and opened to visitors again in July 2015."
Ramil Khasanov
"Our first underground city to visit and we were quite surprised on how well they preserved this place..
Well maintained place with at least 2 to 3 hours of time to spend inside.
You can park your car, clean toilets are available inside, and small grocery shop to buy some snacks or drinks available nearby.
Fun part to go around the tunnels , look at the different living rooms , a church , stone doors , water well, communication holes , bedrooms , baths , kitches, etc..."
Dudo Dodo
"We arrived early in the morning and were the first visitors. We were lucky, because we managed to walk alone. Later a big bus of tourists arrived, so the place became crowded. It isn't big enough, like other underground cities in the area.
There are some places like wells to upper levels of the underground city, where a rare tourist reaches. Such wells and small chambers behind them were the coolest experience.
The only problem with this museum is that there is no regular transport to village Mazi. So we had to find a taxi in Kaymakli, which was a bit of a problem. The driver didn't speak much English, but some of us communicated with him in Turkish and agreed to take us to Mazy and back after some time."
Julia Ovcharenko
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Getting to Mazi Underground City from Goreme can be a bit challenging as public transport is limited. Many visitors opt to hire a taxi from Goreme or nearby towns like Kaymakli. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes by car. Some tours might include Mazi as part of a larger Cappadocia itinerary.
Yes, there is parking available near the entrance of Mazi Underground City, making it convenient for those arriving by car or taxi.
Direct bus services to Mazi village are infrequent and not a reliable option for most tourists. It's best to arrange private transportation or a taxi.
For visiting multiple underground cities like Kaymakli, Derinkuyu, and Mazi, renting a car or hiring a driver for the day offers the most flexibility. Alternatively, organized tours often cover these sites.
Mazi Underground City is located about 10 km east of Kaymakli Underground City, making it a feasible combination visit if you have transportation arranged.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mazi Underground City is generally open daily, but it's advisable to check the most current opening hours before your visit, as these can sometimes vary seasonally. It reopened in July 2015 after safety renovations.
The entrance fee for Mazi Underground City is considerably lower than other major underground cities in Cappadocia, making it a budget-friendly option.
Advance booking is typically not required for Mazi Underground City, as it's less crowded than other sites. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival.
The underground city involves navigating narrow tunnels and uneven surfaces. While it's generally well-maintained, it may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues or claustrophobia.
Yes, some tour operators in Cappadocia include Mazi Underground City in their itineraries, offering a guided experience. However, it's also easily explorable independently if you arrange transport.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours exploring the accessible parts of Mazi Underground City, including its various rooms, church, and unique features.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be navigating uneven terrain and tunnels. Layers are recommended as the temperature underground can be cooler than outside.
Yes, clean toilets are available at Mazi Underground City, and there's a small shop nearby for snacks and drinks.
The city was reopened after safety renovations in 2015, and it is generally considered safe to explore. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and follow any posted guidelines.
Photography is generally allowed inside Mazi Underground City, but be respectful of other visitors and avoid using flash in enclosed spaces where it might be disruptive.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for unique angles within the tunnels, the ancient church, and the ingenious bolt stones. The interplay of light and shadow in the carved spaces creates dramatic photographic opportunities.
Absolutely! The historical architecture, the unique underground environment, and the sense of ancient life make Mazi Underground City a fascinating subject for photographers.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the confined spaces of the tunnels. A camera with good low-light performance is also beneficial. Consider a tripod for steadier shots in darker areas.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical and archaeological sites to preserve their integrity and for safety reasons. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Early morning, when you might have the place to yourself, offers the best light and fewest distractions for photography. The natural light filtering into the entrances can create beautiful effects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring snacks and water, as exploring can take a couple of hours. While there are toilets, changing facilities might be limited. The relatively lower cost compared to other sites also makes it a more accessible option for families looking to experience Cappadocia's unique heritage without breaking the bank.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save further, consider arranging transport with other travelers or looking for local shared taxi options. Packing your own snacks and water will also help keep costs down. The opportunity to explore a well-preserved ancient site without a hefty price tag is a major draw for backpackers and budget explorers.
🚶♀️ History & Archaeology Enthusiasts
The defensive mechanisms, such as the bolt stones, are particularly intriguing and speak to the historical context of potential threats. Engaging with a local guide can further enhance the experience, providing deeper insights into the historical significance and the stories behind this remarkable site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Purpose of Mazi Underground City
While the exact timeline of its construction is debated, similar underground cities in the region date back to the Median Empire and were expanded upon by various civilizations, including the Romans and early Christians. The multi-level structure, with its ingenious bolt stones and communication systems, highlights the inhabitants' need for security and self-sufficiency. Today, Mazi offers a tangible connection to this ancient past, allowing visitors to walk through the very spaces where people lived, worked, and worshipped centuries ago.
The city was closed for safety reasons due to collapses and underwent a landscaping project before reopening to visitors in July 2015. This renovation ensured that the accessible parts of the city are safe for exploration, allowing a new generation to appreciate its historical significance.
Exploring the Architecture and Features
Within the city, you'll find areas that served specific purposes: large stables for livestock, living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and even a church with its own bolt stone for entry. The presence of communication holes and wells connecting different levels demonstrates the advanced planning and social organization of the inhabitants. These features allowed for communication, ventilation, and access to water, essential for survival in an underground environment.
While only two floors are currently accessible to visitors, these provide a comprehensive understanding of the city's layout and functionality. The preservation of these features, from the carved furniture to the defensive mechanisms, offers a unique glimpse into the ingenuity of ancient civilizations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit