Özkonak Underground City sits below the northern slopes of Mount Idis, and hunching down to stroll through the tiny corridors is part of the immersive experience. Though the city has a total depth of 40 meters (131 feet) and 10 levels, only four floors are open to the public—but that’s more than enough to fully appreciate sophisticated infrastructures like ventilation holes, a winery and water well, a communication system made of pipes, and cunningly placed openings for pouring hot oil on invaders.
Book a guided tour to explore and learn more about the subterranean city; or check out full-day Cappadocia tour options, which often highlight Özkonak Underground City along with other must-see stops, including the Goreme Open-Air Museum and rock-carved houses of Pigeon Valley.
Set aside at least two hours to explore Özkonak and enjoy all the exciting sights across the different layers.
It’s highly recommended to hire a guide to explore the underground city, as they will be able to provide much more context and background to what you’re seeing.
Some passageways are quite narrow, so Özkonak is not ideal for travelers with claustrophobia or physical limitations.
To reach this underground city, hop on a dolmuş or shared minibus from Avanos, a 30-minute ride away. These usually operate hourly throughout the day, although it depends on demand from local passengers. The alternative is to take a private taxi or tour from Goreme, which is just 25 minutes to the south—this will ensure you can relax and spend as much time as you like at the site.
The ideal time to visit Özkonak is between April and October. During these months, the weather is mild in central Turkey, allowing for more comfortable conditions for exploring. If you’re conscious of crowds, then try for spring or fall to avoid the busy summer holidays in the middle of the year. However, winter can also be a magical time to see the rocky landscapes covered with a dusting of snow—just note that temperatures can drop to as low as 25°F (-4°C).
Beyond its labyrinth of tunnels and chambers, Özkonak Underground City boasts an incredible array of storage facilities and reservoirs that defied the odds of living in subterranean depths. The attraction offers a glimpse into the resilience of ancient civilizations, and its water well and wine reservoirs are a testament to the innovation of the Byzantiums—both can be seen on the second and third levels.
