Saratlı Kırkgöz Yeraltı Şehri

Updated June 11, 2025

Description

Look, I’ve explored quite a few underground cities in my travels through Turkey, but there’s something uniquely captivating about Saratlı Kırkgöz. Picture this: seven sprawling levels carved deep into the volcanic rock, each telling its own fascinating story of ancient civilizations. What really got me during my visit was how this underground marvel served as both a sanctuary and a fully-functioning community.

The name “Kırkgöz” (meaning “forty eyes” in Turkish) comes from the numerous ventilation shafts that dot the surface – pretty clever engineering if you ask me. And boy, do these ancient architects deserve some credit! The way they designed this place with its intricate tunnel systems, storage rooms, and living quarters is mind-blowing, especially considering they did it all without modern tools.

Key Features

• Multi-level architecture spanning seven floors underground
• Ancient wine-making facilities (yes, they had their priorities straight!)
• Original millstones still visible in their exact positions
• Sophisticated ventilation system with multiple air shafts
• Communal gathering spaces and kitchen areas
• Strategic defensive mechanisms including rolling stone doors
• Traditional storage rooms for preserving food
• Connected tunnel systems between living quarters
• Religious chambers and meditation rooms
• Water wells that still contain fresh water today

Best Time to Visit

I’ve gotta tell you – timing your visit right makes all the difference here. Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are absolutely perfect. The temperature underground stays pretty constant year-round, hovering around 15-18°C (59-64°F), but these seasons offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring the surrounding area too.

Summer can get pretty intense above ground, though the underground city itself provides a nice escape from the heat. Winter isn’t bad either, but some days can be chilly and rainy, which might make the walk to the entrance a bit uncomfortable. If you’re anything like me and hate crowds, try visiting during weekday mornings – that’s when you’ll get the most peaceful experience.

How to Get There

Getting to Saratlı Kırkgöz isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but that’s part of what makes it special. The easiest way is to start from Aksaray city. You can catch regular minibuses (dolmuş) that run between Aksaray and Saratlı village. These little buses might not be luxury transportation, but they’re reliable and give you a real taste of local life.

If you’re coming from Cappadocia, you’ll want to first head to Aksaray and then make your way to Saratlı. For those who prefer more flexibility (like myself), renting a car is a solid option. The roads are well-maintained, and having your own wheels means you can explore other nearby underground cities too.

Tips for Visiting

After spending quite a bit of time exploring this fascinating place, I’ve picked up some helpful tricks. First off, wear comfortable shoes with good grip – those ancient stairs can be slippery! And trust me on this one: bring a light jacket even in summer. The temperature difference between the surface and underground can catch you off guard.

Photography is allowed, but you might want to bring a small tripod or use your phone’s night mode – lighting can be tricky in some areas. I learned the hard way that it’s smart to carry some water with you, even though the tour isn’t super long. The air can get a bit dry down there.

Oh, and here’s something most guidebooks won’t tell you: the best stories come from the local guides. Even if you’re not usually a guided-tour person, make an exception here. They know all sorts of fascinating details about how people actually lived in these underground chambers.

Don’t rush through – take your time to imagine what life was like for the people who called this place home. Some of the most interesting features are easy to miss if you’re hurrying. And if you’re claustrophobic, no worries – the main pathways are surprisingly spacious, though some optional side tunnels can be a bit snug.

Lastly, try to arrive either early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The lighting from the ventilation shafts creates some pretty amazing effects during these times, and you’ll get to experience the place without too many other visitors around. And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, combine your visit with some of the other underground cities in the region – each one has its own unique character and story to tell.

Key Highlights

• Key Features
• Best Time to Visit
• How to Get There
• Tips for Visiting

Location

Places to Stay Near Saratlı Kırkgöz Yeraltı Şehri

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