Imagine renovating your home and tearing down a wall, only to discover a hidden tunnel leading to a vast underground city beneath your feet. Though this sounds like a story straight out of a fantasy novel or an adventure movie, it actually happened in real life to a man in Turkey in 1963. This man, living in the Cappadocia region within Nevşehir province, was stunned to find a secret tunnel behind a wall in his house. This tunnel led to the remarkable ancient underground city of Derinkuyu—one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries in modern times. Keep reading to learn more about this fascinating and mysterious subterranean world.

Derinkuyu is famous for its multiple hidden tunnel entrances scattered across the Cappadocia region. These entrances allowed access to a sprawling city carved deep into the volcanic rock—extending as far as 60 meters below the surface and containing as many as 18 distinct levels. This underground marvel was ingeniously designed to accommodate around 20,000 people along with their livestock. The city was a self-sufficient complex, featuring living quarters, churches, food storage rooms, wineries, and even a dedicated school for religious studies. Clever ventilation shafts connected the entire city to the surface, ensuring fresh air circulated throughout the subterranean labyrinth. The discreet entrances, like the one discovered by the DIY enthusiast in 1963, were carefully concealed to protect inhabitants from invading forces or natural disasters.

Below the surface, one can still see rooms that served various purposes, including large spaces designed for worship and education. One notable room functioned as a religious school, highlighting the city’s role not just as a refuge but as a vibrant community hub. Throughout the Middle Ages and continuing into the early 20th century, Derinkuyu was used primarily by Christian communities who sought shelter from various threats.

Historical records and archaeological evidence suggest that Derinkuyu was connected by underground tunnels to several neighboring subterranean cities, forming an extensive network that allowed people to move between locations safely and secretly. The construction of the city is believed to have begun as early as the 7th or 8th century BCE, with continuous usage and expansion lasting through the 12th century. In the 1300s, it served as a refuge from the Mongolian invasions, offering protection against marauding armies. The city was finally abandoned in 1923 as modern times and new political realities changed the way local communities lived.

One of the most impressive features of Derinkuyu are the massive stone doors that could seal off the city’s entrances. These doors were intricately designed to roll open and shut by fitting a wooden beam into a central hole, providing both security and ease of movement for the inhabitants. During peaceful times, the underground city was primarily used for storing food and supplies, showcasing its dual role as both a shelter and a functional settlement.

After its accidental rediscovery in 1963, Derinkuyu was carefully excavated and restored, eventually opening to the public in 1969. Today, roughly half of this underground city is accessible to tourists and history enthusiasts, offering a unique glimpse into an extraordinary ancient civilization’s way of life. Visitors can explore its labyrinthine tunnels, rooms, and hidden passages, stepping back in time to witness the ingenuity and resilience of the people who once called this underground city home.