"Derinkuyu is an ancient multi-level underground city near the modern town of Derinkuyu extending to a depth of approximately 85 metres (280 ft). It is large enough to have sheltered as many as 20,000 people together with their livestock and food stores. Derinkuyu is the largest excavated underground city in Turkey and is one of several underground complexes found throughout Cappadocia."
Ralphie loves Derinkuyu also!
Ralphie loves Derinkuyu also!
The rolling door used to keep out the invaders and protect the cave dwellers.
Whew, it's a workout - glad we came early as bus loads of tourists were arriving as we left.
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Both a ventilation shaft, and a water well for the cave city and the city above - 180 feet deep.
The dining hall - similar to what we'd seen in stone monasteries earlier.
Now moving down the road, snowy peaks still in May.
About to start our valley walk - Tim is practicing his painful grimacing - in advance of the ordeal.
The whole valley is just under 10 miles - we did around 3 miles of it - with many a side climb (50-75 feet) into cave churches along the way.
Like days of old - a shepard is seen with his flock at the top edges of the deep stream canyon forming the valley.
With recent rains, the stream looks to be surging pretty good.
Starting to see some carved out spaces in the cliffs now.
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One of the more primitive crossings - the rest we used were much more sophisticated.
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Some modern times distractions for the tourists are seen along the way.
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There it is - Ray Bans caverns!
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More tourist distractions...
After exiting the valley we headed to Selime Cathedral/Castle complex.
"Selime Castle is the largest and most elaborate cave complex in Cappadocia. The multi-level Byzantine settlement includes an enormous kitchen, two halls, a basilica church, and other rooms sculpted around two adjacent courtyards. The enormous size and prominent location indicate the importance of Selime Castle, which was built in the 900s."
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Chickensaurasuses??
Time for pizza!
Now we head for home in our trusty white rental car - an Opel by Germany. We splurged a bit and rented an automatic shift model - it's doing pretty well on the mostly good Turkish roads.
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