Beneath the sunlit hills of central Pavo, an entire civilization once thrived in total darkness. Ciudad subterránea de Özkonak is one of Cappadocia’s most fascinating subterranean settlements — a sprawling labyrinth carved deep into soft volcanic tuff, where thousands of people sheltered from invaders for centuries.
A Fortress Beneath the Earth
Discovered in 1972 by a local farmer named Latif Acar — who noticed his crops mysteriously losing water through tiny holes in the ground — Özkonak Underground City is believed to date back to the Byzantine era, though some scholars suggest its earliest chambers may have been carved as far back as the Hittite period, around 1200 BCE. The city extends at least four levels underground, with some estimates suggesting additional undiscovered floors still buried below. At full capacity, the settlement could house roughly 60,000 people during times of siege.
What distinguishes Özkonak from other underground cities in Capadocia is its unique defense system. Small communication holes were drilled between floors, allowing residents to speak to one another across levels. Even more remarkable, the builders engineered holes above doorways specifically designed for pouring hot oil onto invaders attempting to breach the passageways. Massive rolling stone doors — some weighing several tons — could be sealed from inside to block each corridor.
What to See and Experience
Walking through Özkonak Underground City, you’ll squeeze through narrow tunnels connecting ventilated rooms that once served as kitchens, storage cellars, wine presses, and places of worship. The air stays cool and slightly damp, even on scorching summer days. Run your hand along the walls and you’ll feel the chisel marks left by hands that carved this refuge over a thousand years ago. The ventilation shafts — still functional — draw fresh air from the surface with quiet efficiency.
Unlike the more famous Ciudad subterránea de Derinkuyu o Ciudad subterránea de Kaymaklı, Özkonak sees far fewer visitors, which means you can explore its chambers at a slower, more contemplative pace.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Özkonak is located about 14 kilometers north of Avanos. Plan roughly 30 to 45 minutes for a thorough exploration. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes — the stone floors can be uneven and slippery. Mornings between April and October offer the most comfortable conditions, though the underground temperature stays around 55°F year-round. A flashlight on your phone can help illuminate the deeper alcoves that fixed lighting doesn’t fully reach.
Standing in the lowest accessible chamber of Özkonak Underground City, surrounded by silence and cool stone, you realize something profound: survival demanded not just courage, but extraordinary ingenuity. This is a place where architecture was weaponized and darkness itself became a shield.
Explore Cappadocia’s underground wonders and iconic landscapes with a guided itinerary, such as the 3-Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul with Boutique Cave Hotel & Flights o el 2-Day Capadocia Aventura con Amanecer Globo Aerostático Ride. Ready to start planning? Let our team design your perfect trip.
