The complex was discovered purely by chance during the excavation of a foundation for a modern house.
It is built entirely into soft volcanic tuff rock, which allowed inhabitants to carve it using only hand tools.
Unlike the famous underground cities of Cappadocia which are multi-layered, this site is largely organized on a single subterranean level.
Ventilation shafts are integrated into the ceiling structure, indicating a sophisticated understanding of airflow for underground living.
Archaeological findings suggest the site was used as a refuge during regional conflicts spanning several centuries.
No mortar or external building materials were used in the construction, highlighting the stability of the local geological formation.
The Aydıntepe Underground City is a unique subterranean complex carved directly into volcanic tuff without the use of mortar or masonry. Discovered accidentally in 1988 during a construction project, the site consists of a sprawling network of galleries, rooms, and corridors located two to five meters below ground level. Archaeologists estimate the structure dates back to the Roman or Byzantine eras, serving as a sanctuary for local populations during periods of invasion. The site features stone-carved ventilation shafts and intricate architectural transitions between chambers. It remains a rare example of a rock-cut settlement in the Black Sea region of Türkiye, which is otherwise dominated by timber or stone masonry architecture. Visitors walk through narrow passages that connect various living spaces and storage areas.
The wide, arched main entrance corridor provides the most dramatic perspective of the subterranean architecture.
Bring a lightweight jacket even in summer, as temperatures remain consistently cool underground.
The narrow passages can be low in height; watch your head if you are tall.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear as the ground surfaces can be uneven.
Do not attempt to enter unmarked or restricted tunnels that are not part of the established visitor path.
Avoid touching the soft, historical rock walls to prevent erosion.
