|
|
UNDERGROUND CITIES |
|
|
|
|
 |
The
underground cities of Kaymakli, Mazi, Derinkuyu and
Ozkonak were all used by the Christians of the seventh
century as places of retreat in order to escape
persecution. They fled from the iconoclastic strife of
Byzantium as well as other invasions in these safe and
well hidden metropolises. A complete environment,
these cities included rooms for grain storage, stables,
sleeping chambers, kitchens and air shafts. Today they
are well lit and an essential and fascinating part of
a Cappadocian tour. West of Avanos, Gulsehir has
Hittite rock inscriptions, and nearby, at Gokcetepe,
there is a bas relief of Zeus. South on the Nevsehir
road brings you to the 13th century church of St.
John, and farther along is Aciksaray where the carved
rocks hold churches and chapels. For the tours in
Cappadocia region please check our
tour page. |
|
