Ihlara Canyon & Underground City

LOCATION: Cappadocia | DURATION: 7h 40m | DIFFICULTY: Moderate

Ihlara Canyon: 14 km walking track inside the canyon (Green Nature).
Underground City: Visit to Derinkuyu deep caves (History).
Historical Sites: Cave houses, Pigeon houses, Churches with frescoes, Selime Cathedral.
Landscapes: Lunar landscape of Cappadocia & Fairy Chimneys.

Ancient Origins: Caves might have been built initially in the soft volcanic rock by the Phrygians in the 8th–7th centuries BC.
Security: The city could be closed from the inside with large rolling stone doors. Each floor could be closed off separately.
Capacity: The city could accommodate up to 20,000 people with amenities like wine presses, stables, cellars, and chapels.
Ventilation: A large 55-metre (180 ft) ventilation shaft provided water and air to the deep levels.
Discovery: In 1963, a resident found a mysterious room behind a wall in his home, leading to the rediscovery of the tunnels.

Nature: One of Cappadocia’s best-kept secrets, shaped by the Melendiz River. A lush gorge with 14 km of hiking trails.
Atmosphere: A peaceful backdrop accompanies your stroll—the gentle sound of flowing water and birds.
History: Ihlara village contains cave houses from the Byzantine period and the magnificent Selime Monastery carved into the rocks.
Seasons: The valley offers a brilliant display of colours in each season, especially gold and crimson in autumn.

Description

LOCATION: Cappadocia, Turkey

DURATION: 7 hours 40 mins

DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

WHAT WE SEE DURING THE HIKE:

DURING THE HIKE YOU WILL PASS THROUGH:

INCLUDED IN PRICE:

UNDERGROUND CITY OF DERINKUYU

Caves might have been built initially in the soft volcanic rock of the Cappadocia region by the Phrygians in the 8th–7th centuries BC, according to the Turkish Department of Culture.
The underground city at Derinkuyu could be closed from the inside with large rolling stone doors. Each floor could be closed off separately.
The city could accommodate up to 20,000 people and had amenities found in other underground complexes across Cappadocia, such as wine and oil presses, stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, and chapels. Unique to the Derinkuyu complex and located on the second floor is a spacious room with a barrel-vaulted ceiling. It has been reported that this room was used as a religious school and the rooms to the left were studies.
The large 55-metre (180 ft) ventilation shaft appears to have been used as a well. The shaft provided water to both the villagers above and, if the outside world was inaccessible, to those in hiding.
In 1963, the tunnels were rediscovered after a resident found a mysterious room behind a wall in his home while renovating. Further digging revealed access to the tunnel network.
In 1969, the site was opened to visitors, with about half of the underground city currently accessible.

CANYON IHLARA

The Enchantment of Ihlara Valley
One of Cappadocia’s best-kept secrets is Ihlara Valley, a lush gorge shaped by the Melendiz River. This captivating valley features roughly 14 kilometres of hiking trails that meander through towering cliffs and vibrant greenery.
As you traverse this scenic route, you’ll encounter ancient cave churches adorned with exquisite frescoes. A peaceful backdrop accompanies your stroll—the gentle sound of flowing water can be soothing. Along the riverbanks, numerous picnic spots invite you to rest and appreciate the serene beauty surrounding you.
Ihlara Valley is accessible for all skill levels. You’ll find a suitable trail, whether you’re seeking an easy walk or a more intense trek. The valley’s trees offer a brilliant display of colours in each season, making it an appealing destination year-round. For example, the vibrant autumn foliage draws nature lovers and photographers alike, showcasing hues of gold and crimson.
Ihlara village has one of the most beautiful canyons in Cappadocia, with its Melendiz River, which halves the canyon. A place for cave house houses of the Byzantine period, the cave church, cave-dwelling, and the monastery of Selime. 6-7 hours of hiking.
We will visit the Bezirhane (linseed oil pool of wood-stated), cave houses and frescoed churches belonging to the Byzantines who lived in this valley, which began cave life at the end of the 6th century.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE