History and archaeology / Archaeological site

Özkonak Underground City

Avanos, Nevşehir

CommonMachine translated

An underground city on the northern slope of Mount İdiş, found by chance by a farmer in 1972, known for its rolling stone doors and communication holes between levels.

Safety warning

As of October 2026 open to visitors every day (muze.gov.tr). The passages are narrow and low; move carefully to avoid hitting your head.

Its story

Özkonak Underground City is carved into the northern slope of Mount İdiş, where the layers of volcanic tuff are thick, in the town of Özkonak about 14 km from Avanos. Found in 1972 when a local farmer wondered where the water in his field was disappearing to, the city opened to visitors the same year. Inside are tunnels, rolling stone doors, stables and wineries. What sets it apart from the other underground cities are the holes that allowed communication between the levels and the openings above the tunnels thought to have been used against attackers. It offers a quieter visit than Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu.

Key facts

Admission: Paid; Müzekart valid (Turkish citizens)
Discovered: 1972
Getting there: About 14 km from Avanos
Visit duration: 30–45 minutes

Trip purpose

Quiet
Rainy day
Traveling with kids

Location

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38.80687, 34.84073

Where to eat nearby

4 venues within about 2 km

Reviews

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Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Özkonak_Yeraltı_Şehri | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Özkonak_underground_city