Cappadocia E-pass includes Ozkonak Underground City entrance with Green Tour. Reserve your tour free with Cappadocia E-pass.
Located 14 km from Avanos, the underground city was built on the northern slopes of Idis Mountain. The tuff layers with volcanic granite structures are quite dense in this area. The galleries spread over wide areas are connected by tunnels. Unlike Kaymakli and Derinkuyu underground cities, there are very narrow and long holes to provide communication between floors. When the entrances were closed, ventilation was provided by these narrow (5 cm) and long holes. Unlike other underground cities, holes were carved (for defense purposes) on the tunnel after the bolt stone. In the underground city of Ozkonak, as in other underground cities, there are an air shaft, a water well, a cider house, and bolt stones.
Although it is not known exactly, it is thought that Ozkonak Underground City was built around 400 BC. The tuff structure of the region allowed people to shape the walls, settle here and establish shelters in ancient times. According to archaeologists, the Ozkonak region was known as the region of local principalities called Tabal of the Late Hittite period. The area passed under the rule of the Persian and Hellenistic Roman Empires. The temple of Zeus, which is rumored to have had three thousand members in the Hellenistic period, was also here. After the Roman period, the first Christians settled in the Ozkonak. Escaping the oppression of the Byzantines who captured the region and the harsh Arab raids. They established a city of their own under the leadership of St. Basil. The Greek philosopher Strabo talks about the tomb of the bishop of Nevsehir (Nyasa) and the ruins of old temples in his 12th book. It is in a place called the hill above Avanos, which is the Temple of Zeus.
The Final Word
Cappadocia region has many underground cities but Ozkonak Underground City is one of the unique ones due to the very narrow and long holes carved into the walls for communication and defense purposes. Discover with Cappadocia E-pass now.
Ozkonak Underground City Hours of Operation
Ozkonak Underground City is open to visitors every day between 08:00-17:00.
The last entrance is at 16:00
Ozkonak Underground City Location
Camii Kebir Mah.
Turizm Cad. No:34
Ozkonak/NEVSEHIR
Important Notes
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Not recommended if you have claustrophobia, heart ailments, lower back pain, and difficulty walking! Guests with these complaints can enter at their own risk.
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Simply scan your QR code at the entrance and get in.
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Ozkonak Underground City visit takes around 1 hour.
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Photo ID will be asked from child Istanbul E-pass holders.