Nevşehir Castle and Underground City

Nevşehir Castle and Underground City is a unique historical complex located in central Turkey, in the famous Cappadocia region. The castle itself, perched on a hill, has long been considered a symbol of the city of Nevşehir. A true sensation occurred with the discovery of a vast underground city beneath it. Initial finds were made in 2013 during construction work in the city fortress area, and in 2015, its grandiose scale—especially the part directly under the castle—was confirmed. It is estimated that this could be the largest such structure in the world.

This ancient underground city is a self-sufficient complex with surprisingly sophisticated infrastructure. Complex systems of ventilation shafts and water channels were discovered here, providing residents with the ability to exist independently for long periods without coming to the surface. The scale of this underground settlement is striking: preliminary data suggests its area exceeds the total area of all previously discovered ancient underground cities in the region.

Experts estimate the age of the Nevşehir underground city at approximately 5,000 years, placing it among the oldest underground structures on the planet. Remarkably, this grandiose creation, the discovery of which began in 2013, immediately captured the attention of researchers and travelers from all over the world, opening a new chapter in the study of Cappadocia's rich history.

For the most up-to-date information on opening hours, ticket prices, and available tours for Nevşehir Castle and Underground City, we recommend visiting the official website of the attraction, if available, or contacting tourist information centers directly in Nevşehir. You can also often find useful information on local travel portals or traveler forums.

A visit to Nevşehir Castle and Underground City promises a unique immersion into the history and architecture of this region of Turkey. The main highlight, of course, is exploring the ancient underground settlement. Here you can see for yourself the complex system of tunnels that connect living quarters, spacious storerooms, and public spaces carved directly into the rock. Special attention is drawn to the ancient air ducts and water channels—evidence of the engineering ingenuity of the past that sustained life in the city below ground.

Since July 2018, a significant portion of the underground city has been open to tourists, covering about 100,000 square meters out of the 396,000 discovered. This allows visitors to fully experience the atmosphere of ancient daily life and imagine how people lived in these unusual conditions, hiding from danger. One of the most impressive elements is the massive circular stone doors, which the Cappadocians used to block the entrances to their underground shelters in case of an attack. It’s a true journey back in time!

Beyond the underground wonders, Nevşehir Castle itself, which rises majestically on the hill, is just as interesting. Climbing up here, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of modern Nevşehir and the picturesque surrounding landscapes. While the exact construction date of the castle remains a mystery, it is undoubtedly an important historical landmark of the city and a wonderful place to appreciate the scale of the region and take impressive photographs.

Nevşehir Castle and Underground City is one of the iconic landmarks of Nevşehir, and getting there is usually quite easy as it is located within the city limits. This makes it a convenient stop to include in your itinerary through Turkey.

One of the most common ways to reach the castle and underground city is by public transport. In Nevşehir, as in many Turkish cities, there are city buses and shared taxis (dolmuşes). You can find out the current routes and bus numbers going to the attraction at your hotel or from locals. This is generally the most budget-friendly option.

For more convenience, especially if you value your time or are traveling in a group, you can use a taxi. Taxis are easy to find in the center of Nevşehir or can be ordered via mobile apps or at the hotel reception. The ride from the city center to the castle is usually short. Alternatively, depending on your accommodation's location and your physical fitness, you could consider walking to get a better feel for the city.

Nevşehir Castle and Underground City hold millennia of history, attracting researchers and tourists from all over the world. The underground structures, estimated to be around 5,000 years old, were actively used from the early Byzantine era until the Ottoman conquest. This massive underground complex served as a reliable refuge for the local population during numerous raids, including those by the Seljuks and other nomadic tribes. It is estimated that up to 20,000 people could take shelter here at once, testifying to its impressive size and well-thought-out organization.

The city of Nevşehir itself, where this unique attraction is located, also has a rich and multi-layered history. For over a thousand years, it was under the rule of the Roman and then the Byzantine Empires. After 1071, the city was captured by the Seljuks, whose rule lasted over two centuries. Subsequently, in 1308, Nevşehir came under the control of the Mongol Ilkhanate, followed by the Karamanids and Dulkadirids. In the early 16th century, the city was conquered by the Ottoman Turks, and it was only in the 17th century that it received its current name, Nevşehir, replacing the old name, Muskara.

Nevşehir Castle, crowning the hill above the city, is another iconic historical site. The exact date of its construction is unknown, but it is known that it was significantly renovated and fortified with bastions during the Ottoman period, playing an important role in the region's defense system. One of the most amazing facts was the 2015 discovery of an extensive underground city located directly beneath the castle hill. This discovery was a true archaeological sensation, adding another chapter to Nevşehir's already rich history.

Interestingly, the Cappadocia region, of which Nevşehir is a part, is famous for its numerous underground cities. For example, the famous Derinkuyu, the second largest underground city, is located just 29 kilometers from Nevşehir, highlighting the uniqueness and historical significance of this area in Turkey.

When planning a visit to Nevşehir Castle and Underground City, located in the city of Nevşehir, it is worth allocating enough time to see both components of this unique complex without rushing. On average, a full exploration of the castle and the accessible parts of the underground city can take between 3 to 5 hours. This time will allow you to get a general overview of this historical site in Turkey.

Exploring the castle itself, with its preserved walls and towers, will likely take about 1–1.5 hours. However, the bulk of your time will probably be spent exploring the underground city. The scale of such structures in the Cappadocia region is often impressive, with many tunnels, rooms, and levels. If you plan to use a guide—which is often recommended for better historical understanding and safe navigation through the underground labyrinths—a tour of the subterranean section can take 2–3 hours or even longer, depending on the chosen route and the depth of detail.

Therefore, to ensure your experience is complete and you don't feel rushed, it's best to plan at least half a day for visiting Nevşehir Castle and Underground City. This is especially relevant for those interested in history and archaeology, as this site offers a wealth of material for study and discovery.

When planning a visit to Nevşehir Castle and Underground City, it is important to check the current opening hours in advance. As a rule, many historical sites in Turkey may have seasonal schedules that change depending on the time of year and official holidays. At the moment, exact information regarding the opening hours of Nevşehir Castle and Underground City is unavailable, so it is highly recommended to check the attraction's official website or contact local tourist information centers upon your arrival in Nevşehir.

It is also worth finding out if advance ticket booking or tour registration is required, especially if you plan to visit during the peak tourist season. This will help avoid long waits and guarantee your access to this unique site. Typically, such complexes are open to visitors year-round, but it is best to get confirmation from official sources.

Visiting such an iconic site as Nevşehir Castle and Underground City is undoubtedly a highlight of any trip to Nevşehir. However, to make your trip even more eventful and full of impressions, we recommend exploring other attractions located nearby.

Getting to know the surroundings will allow you to deeper understand the culture and history of this amazing corner of Turkey, as well as find new interesting places for leisure and entertainment. Below is a list of some sites that might interest you.