Photo credit
Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 3.0
Located about 14 km from Avanos, Özkonak Underground City is a fascinating ancient settlement carved into Cappadocia’s volcanic rock. Known for its narrow tunnels, interconnected chambers, and ingenious ventilation system, the city features distinctive communication passages between its levels, setting it apart from the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı. Its preserved stone doors and hidden living spaces offer visitors a remarkable glimpse into life beneath Cappadocia’s surface.
Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and be prepared for narrow passages, low ceilings, and steep steps. Take your time exploring the underground chambers and look for the distinctive communication holes and massive stone doors. Some sections may feel confined, so visitors uncomfortable with enclosed spaces should plan accordingly. Consider combining your visit with Avanos’s pottery workshops for a cultural day trip.
Özkonak Village, 14 km north of Avanos
Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 3.0