Beneath the village of Mazı south of Ürgüp lies an underground city with four entrances, rolling stones, large stables and a church carved into a corner.
Mazı Underground City is a place (Underground city) in Turkey, Nevsehir.
The main entrance of Mazı is a short corridor of irregular stonework with a heavy rolling stone waiting inside, and a small chamber was cut beside it so the stone could be moved aside. The village above, whose ancient name was Mataza, lies 18 km south of Ürgüp and 10 km east of the Kaymaklı underground city.
Layout
At least four entrances have been identified at different points. The rolling stone in the entrance corridor, a big disc of rock that seals a passage by rolling across it, controls access. Stables spread over a wide part of the settlement. A short corridor leads from them to the underground church, whose entrance can also be sealed with a rolling stone. The apse of the church, the rounded recess at the liturgical end, is carved into a corner and its front is decorated with reliefs.
Floors and access history
The city is thought to have had four levels, of which only two can be visited today. Mazı was closed to visitors in 2003 because of collapses and opened again in 2015.
Visiting
Travel agencies run day tours from Nevşehir town and Avanos. Hours and fees can change, so check the page on muze.gov.tr. The MüzeKart is valid for Turkish citizens.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Mazı Underground City?
How many entrances does it have?
Is there a church inside?
Can all floors be visited?
Sources (3)
- Mazı Yeraltı Şehri / Mazı Underground City (TR ve EN sayfalar) — T.C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı, Müzeler ve Ören Yerleri
- Mazı Yer Altı Şehri - Nevşehir, Gezilecek Yerler — T.C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı, Kültür Portalı (kaynak: Nevşehir İl Kültür ve Turizm Müdürlüğü)
- Mazı Yeraltı Şehri (Wikidata Q16889342) — Wikidata
