Özkonak Underground City
Explore Özkonak, a multi-level ancient underground city in Cappadocia, carved into volcanic rock for refuge.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid midday heat and crowds
Özkonak Underground City
Best Time
Avoid midday heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Özkonak, a multi-level ancient underground city in Cappadocia, carved into volcanic rock for refuge.
"An amazing underground city with so much history; mind-boggling divisions for humans, animals, and grains!"
⚠️ Mind Your Head!
Many passages are low. Duck and crawl to navigate safely. :athletic_shoe: Wear sturdy shoes for uneven surfaces.
🤝 Hire a Local Guide
Guides unlock the history and ingenious systems. Essential for understanding the city's past.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Dwellings
Multiple Levels
Explore rooms carved into volcanic rock, once housing thousands. See living quarters, stables, and wineries.
Ingenious Ventilation System
Throughout the City
Marvel at the sophisticated air circulation that allowed communities to live underground for months.
Defensive Traps
Passageways
Discover the clever mechanisms and hidden passages designed to protect inhabitants from invaders.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Tight Spaces
Unlock the History with a Guide
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⚠️ Mind Your Head!
Many passages are low. Duck and crawl to navigate safely. :athletic_shoe: Wear sturdy shoes for uneven surfaces.
🤝 Hire a Local Guide
Guides unlock the history and ingenious systems. Essential for understanding the city's past.
📸 Capture the History
Bring your camera! The unique architecture and historical significance are incredibly photogenic.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get warm underground. Carry water, especially during warmer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
⚠️ Mind Your Head!
Many passages are low. Duck and crawl to navigate safely. :athletic_shoe: Wear sturdy shoes for uneven surfaces.
🤝 Hire a Local Guide
Guides unlock the history and ingenious systems. Essential for understanding the city's past.
📸 Capture the History
Bring your camera! The unique architecture and historical significance are incredibly photogenic.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get warm underground. Carry water, especially during warmer months.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently amazed by the historical significance and ingenious construction of Özkonak Underground City. The experience of navigating its ancient passages is described as unique and eye-opening. However, the tight and low-ceilinged tunnels are a significant deterrent for those with claustrophobia, and some wish more of the city was accessible.
"Skip this if you’re claustrophobic. It is an amazing underground city and if you have a chance to go, do it. Having a guide is useful to know how the place was built and maintained as a village under the ground. How water was kept, sewage filtered out, air flow maintained, attackers twarted and even how wine was made and stored.
It can be difficult to pass through some areas as you have to duck through the passages. One passage even got me to my hands and knees. This one has about 3 levels deep but I hear there are others than even have 5 levels with a church at the lowest levels."
Kevin Chand
"It is amazing to see underground dwellings for a small city to house 500 to 1000 people. The dwellings go down 6 levels and have quarters for everything needed to live. Some passages are very narrow and low and not a viable for claustrophobic people. Christians lived underground to avoid getting killed by Romans in the 1st century CE."
Dipak Oza
"This is an amazing place with so much history. The division of these caves to house humans, animals and grains is mind boggling and how the people hid from their enemies is just spectacular. Some of the caves you need to get to are claustrophobic, so if you don’t like confined spaces , don’t bother visiting.
Our guide Emes explained about the different areas and how people would live underground for up to 2 months at a time.
These caves had ventilation, pigeon holes for communication & wine making facilities ."
Shilpa Desai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Özkonak Underground City from Goreme is by taking a taxi or joining a guided tour. It's located about 14 km from Avanos, which is a nearby town. Some tours might combine visits to multiple underground cities like Derinkuyu or Kaymakli. 
Public transport directly to Özkonak can be limited. It's often easier to arrange transport through a local tour operator or hire a private driver for a more convenient experience.
Özkonak Underground City is situated near Avanos, making it relatively accessible from other popular Cappadocia sites. It's a good addition to a day trip exploring the region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally, but generally, Özkonak Underground City is open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check the latest schedule before your visit, especially during off-peak seasons.
Admission fees are typically modest. The exact price can change, but it's generally an affordable attraction. Consider purchasing a museum pass if you plan to visit multiple historical sites in Turkey.
Advance booking is usually not required for Özkonak Underground City, especially if you are visiting independently. However, if you are part of a tour group, your tickets will likely be handled by the tour operator.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended. Local guides can provide invaluable insights into the history, construction, and daily life within the underground city.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
This is a significant concern for many visitors. Özkonak has many narrow and low passages that require ducking or crawling. If you are claustrophobic, it's strongly advised to skip this site or proceed with extreme caution.
Comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must due to the uneven and sometimes slippery surfaces. Lightweight clothing is also recommended as it can get warm inside.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to explore the accessible parts of the city and absorb the history. If you opt for a detailed guided tour, you might need a bit longer.
Children can explore, but parents should be mindful of the tight spaces and low ceilings. Supervision is essential to ensure their safety.
Özkonak features living quarters, stables, wineries, ventilation shafts, and defensive mechanisms. It was designed to house thousands and sustain them for extended periods.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside Özkonak Underground City. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash in areas where it might be prohibited or disruptive.
Look for interesting architectural details, the narrow passageways, and any areas that showcase the scale of the underground city. The entrance and exit points also offer good photo opportunities.
Given the potentially low light conditions, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be helpful. Wide-angle lenses can capture the confined spaces effectively.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be prepared for the tight spaces and ensure children are supervised closely to avoid accidents. It might be best to skip this for very young children or those who are easily frightened by confined or dark environments. 🚶♂️ Adventure Seekers & History Buffs
📸 Photographers
Be prepared for low-light conditions and consider bringing a wide-angle lens to best convey the confined spaces. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Purpose of Özkonak
This multi-level complex was designed to sustain a significant population for extended periods, potentially up to two months. It housed not only living quarters but also essential facilities like stables for animals, wineries for beverage production, and storage areas for food and supplies. The strategic layout and defensive features highlight the constant threat faced by its inhabitants.
The city's construction involved intricate tunnel systems, living spaces, and even sophisticated ventilation shafts that ensured breathable air deep within the earth. The ability to seal off entrances and utilize hidden passages demonstrates a high level of tactical planning.
Navigating the Underground Labyrinth
While only a portion of the city is currently accessible to the public, the revealed levels offer a glimpse into the complex organization of underground life. These accessible areas showcase distinct rooms for various purposes, from sleeping quarters to communal spaces. The interconnectedness of these spaces, designed for both daily living and defense, is truly astonishing.
It's crucial to wear appropriate footwear, such as sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, as the ground can be uneven and slippery. Guides often point out specific features, such as the ingenious mechanisms used to trap invaders or the remnants of wine-making facilities, enriching the exploration experience.
Comparing Özkonak to Other Cappadocia Underground Cities
Özkonak is often described as having narrower and more challenging passages compared to Kaymakli, making it a more intense experience for some. However, it also boasts unique defensive features and a well-preserved glimpse into daily life. Some visitors find Özkonak to be less crowded than its more famous counterparts, offering a more intimate historical encounter.
Each underground city provides a distinct perspective on the region's history and the resilience of its ancient inhabitants. While Derinkuyu and Kaymakli are essential visits for many, Özkonak provides a valuable and often less-trodden path for those seeking to delve deeper into Cappadocia's subterranean wonders.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit