The ancient underground city with 8 floors of eerie tunnels now a haven for dark tourism

Derinkuyu is the largest excavated underground city in the world. (Image: Getty)

There are many ancient villages, towns and even cities around the world, but very few of them are located underground. However, there is one spot in a country loved by tourists where that happens to be the case. Turkey has a lot to offer from stunning beaches to breathtaking hikes, but there is a side to the country that few tend to explore.

Turkey’s Derinkuyu, located in the Cappadocia region, is the largest excavated underground city in the world. Built across multiple centuries and carved deep into soft volcanic rock, it stretches more than 85 metres below the surface and includes at least 18 levels - eight of which are open to visitors today.

The city stretches more than 85 metres below the surface. (Image: Getty)

According to Discover Cappadocia, the city once had enough space to shelter up to 50,000 people.

It featured stables, kitchens, food stores, wine cellars, schools, and even a chapel, all hidden below ground.

The city is thought to have first been built by the Phrygians or Hittites around 1200 BCE, with later expansions by early Christians during the Byzantine period.

Many historians believe it was designed to serve as a refuge during times of war and invasion.

According to BBC Travel, Derinkuyu remained in use until the early 20th century, when it was abandoned after the Greco-Turkish war.

It was eventually rediscovered in the 1960s by a local man in search of his missing chickens.

Derinkuyu has at least 18 levels - eight of which are open to visitors today. (Image: Getty)

While renovating his home, he stumbled upon a tunnel that led to the ancient city. Inside, archaeologists found a huge network of narrow tunnels, small rooms and cleverly designed defences.

Doors between levels were sealed with massive circular stones that could only be rolled into place from the inside.

Some also had small holes through which defenders could strike at intruders without opening the passage.

The city also had a deep well and over 50 ventilation shafts to provide clean water and air.

Many of the rooms were carefully placed to reduce the risk of smoke or fumes spreading. 

The city once had enough space to shelter up to 50,000 people. (Image: Getty)

Livestock, for example, was kept on the upper floors, while people lived further below.

Despite the tight conditions, life underground was sustainable. There is evidence of wine-making, study rooms, and even a missionary school with a vaulted ceiling.

According to experts at Florida State University, the rock's soft texture made it easy to carve, while its structure helped protect the city from collapse.

Today, Derinkuyu is one of Turkey’s top dark tourism destinations. According to travel experts at Past Pathways, it can be reached by regular buses from major cities via the Nevşehir–Niğde highway.

Visitors are allowed to explore up to eight levels, including kitchens, living spaces and religious rooms.

Tours often combine a visit to Derinkuyu with other popular experiences in Cappadocia, such as hot air balloon rides or hikes in the nearby Ihlara Valley.

For anyone interested, tours can be found here.