Thuja Underground City: Dozens of underground cities located within the borders of Cappadocia, such as Mazı Underground City, have been people’s shelters or homes throughout history. People used these underground cities for shelter and protection. Mazı Underground City is one of the many underground cities in Cappadocia. It got its name from the village where it is located. It has an important place among the underground cities in Cappadocia. The stone of the Cappadocia region consists of houses whose soil is enchanted and whose sky is blue with stars and the bottom of which is boiled.
Mazı Underground City is the last discovered underground city in Cappadocia. It was discovered by chance in 1995. It was found by a shepherd. With the excavations made by archaeologists, the underground city was cleaned and regained its place in history.
Thuja Underground City: The history of Mazı Underground City, together with the village where it is located, dates back to ancient times. So much so that its history goes back to the Hellenistic period. Mazı Village is extremely famous not only for its underground city, but also for the churches and tombs it continues to house, and it bears historical traces. With its ceramic kiln reflecting its period, it offers a visual feast for history-loving travelers. The tombs and churches carved from the rock date back to 2000 years ago. Phrygia has hosted many civilizations such as Byzantium and Romans. It has acquired its own unique traces with the many civilizations it has seen and lived through.
Due to the fact that it has a very solid history, the region takes its name from the thuja tree. In the past, the trees from which the axles that were attached to the oxcarts were made were thuja. There are only two thuja trees left in this village. Those who have not seen a thuja tree before are curious about these trees. There are only two left in the village. It is thought that the name of the village comes from the root of “Mazata”, as well as the rumors that the name of the village is derived from this tree. Mazata means ancient city and it is thought that the word Mazı is derived from this word.
Mazı Underground City, which attracts attention with its mysteries and interesting features in the Cappadocia region, is located on the western steep slope within the village. It welcomes its visitors as one of the works of the Early Roman Period. Many rock tombs and churches that date the valley and plateau to the Byzantine Period are surrounded. The underground city has exactly 8 floors and it is necessary to enter this city from 4 different places in order to enter its depths. The control of the entrances is made of bolt stones, which offer protection against the enemy, as in other underground cities in the region. A bolt-stone slot in the form of small chambers has been used so that the stones can be driven easily. Small holes were drilled in the middle of the stones and spears were inserted from here to defend against the enemy. The Mazı Underground City tour, with its unique features, is extremely enjoyable and interesting. As in all other Cappadocia underground cities, there are stables on the ground floor in this underground city. Since it was thought that it would be much more difficult to lower the animals to deep floors and protect them, such plans were made. In the middle of the barn on the ground floor, there are carvings made of rocks for animals. It is thought that the level of welfare in this underground city is high due to the features such as the large number of barns and the estimated population of 6 thousand people. The main source of livelihood is animal husbandry. Due to its large capacity, the underground city is a city that was established not only for shelter but also for long-term living. It is not simply built as a place where people can take shelter for a short time and be protected from attacks. When the Mazı Underground City is entered from the center of the village, the barn built with irregular stones emerges. After the barn, there is a winery where grapes are poured from the ceiling and turned into must. A chimney made of rubble stones is located here. Again, after a short corridor, you reach the church, which was closed with a sliding stone and it is understood that the entrances are not free in any way. With a depth of 20 meters, this underground city seems to be an unexplored habitat. The church is decorated with reliefs. One of the most important features that distinguishes Mazı Underground City from others is that it is a true engineering marvel. The fact that the underground city has a feature that combines chimneys with long and narrow passages on the upper floors and with relatively narrow and short passages on the lower floors is proof that it was perfectly planned. It is not known exactly where these tunnels lead to where the city goes. All that is known is that it is a fairly large living area. The prediction that people live here for a long time is quite close to the truth.
The question of where is the Mazı Underground City is wondered by those who want to visit this city with its incredible features. Mazı Underground City is located in Ürgüp district of Nevşehir province. It is located 18 km south of the town of Ürgüp. It takes its name from Mazı Village located here. Mazı Underground City is located exactly to the east of Kaymaklı Underground City. The two underground cities are close to each other. They are only 10 km apart. It is extremely necessary for those who come to the region to visit both important underground cities. They are historical structures that must be seen with their unique features and traces. It is possible to get much more detailed information and make detailed trips with the tours carried out in the company of professionals such as Mazı Underground City travel guide.
Mazı Underground City directions are wondered by travelers who want to visit the city. You can enter Mazı Underground City from Mazı Village center. In order to go to this underground city, which is located in the Ürgüp district of Nevşehir province, it is necessary to reach the village first. It is located exactly east of Kaymaklı Underground City and 10 km away. It is possible to proceed easily, accompanied by the signs in Ürgüp, in order to come to this city, which is located 18 km from the town of Ürgüp. Due to its proximity to Kaymaklı City, those who come to this region visit both underground cities.
Mazı Underground City entrance fee may vary for 2023. There are changes in the entrance fees every year. People have to pay an entrance fee to see the structures here. The Müzekart can be used to enter this underground city. Museum card holders will be able to enter free of charge twice a year. Plus Müzekart holders will be able to make unlimited visits whenever they want.
It is possible to visit Mazı Underground City at any time between closing time and opening hours. There may be changes in visiting hours depending on the weather conditions in summer and winter months. The same is true for special occasions. There are also changes in visiting hours on special days and holidays.
