Mazi Underground City Guide
A quieter south-Cappadocia underground city with four identified entrances, large stables, defensive stone doors and a rock-cut church.
Mazi is the underground-city choice for a south Cappadocia route.
Mazi Underground City lies in Mazi village about 18 km south of Urgup and around 10 km east of Kaymakli. The village's ancient name was Mataza.
Official sources identify four entrances. Today, current Turkish Museums and Cappadocia Geopark information says two levels are visitable. That makes Mazi a more compact experience than the best-known underground cities, but it still shows the defensive and everyday-life features that make Cappadocia's underground settlements remarkable.
Allow roughly 45–75 minutes for a normal first visit, then continue south toward Keslik Monastery, Sobesos or Soganli Valley.
The details that make Mazi different.
The current Ministry and GoTurkiye descriptions focus on the entrance system, stable areas, defensive stones and church.
Four identified access points
The main entrance uses a corridor built with irregular stones. A large rolling stone could control access through the short passage.
Large stable areas
Extensive stables show how animals were part of life inside the settlement. Mazi is especially useful for understanding that these spaces were practical, not just defensive.
Rock-cut church beyond the stables
A short corridor from the stable area leads to the church. Its entrance could also be closed with a rolling stone, and the apse placement differs from Kaymakli.
Rolling-stone doors
Large stone doors are among the clearest physical reminders that passages could be secured from inside during danger.
Current official hours: 08:00–19:00.
Muze.gov.tr currently lists Mazi Underground City as open every day from 08:00 to 19:00, with the ticket office closing at 18:15. The official listing also marks MuseumCard as valid for Turkish citizens.
Hours, access areas and ticket arrangements can change. Re-check the live official page shortly before travelling.
Check the official Mazi listing →Mazi vs Derinkuyu vs Kaymakli.
They overlap in history and function, but the visitor experience is different.
Best for a south-Cappadocia route
Smaller current visitor area, two open levels, four known entrances, stables and church. Pair it naturally with Keslik, Sobesos, Mustafapasa or Soganli.
Best for the deep-city feeling
Choose Derinkuyu when depth and the dramatic vertical underground experience are your priority.
Best for connected living spaces
Kaymakli is strong for seeing several illuminated levels and understanding how rooms, storage, kitchens and passages connect.
One underground city is enough for many visitors
If time is limited, choose one based on your route. Visit two only if underground architecture is a major interest.
Three realistic ways to use Mazi.
Mazi only
Useful if you are based in Urgup and want one compact underground-city experience without a full-day circuit.
Mustafapasa + Keslik + Mazi
A strong south-Cappadocia combination of stone architecture, monastery history and underground settlement.
Mazi + Sobesos + Soganli
Add Roman/Eastern Roman archaeology and a quieter valley to make a complete southern route.
Both work. Transport is the main reason to book a tour.
Mazi can be visited independently by car or driver. A tour becomes useful when it connects several southern Cappadocia stops in one day.
Best for flexible timing
Drive or arrange a private transfer, visit at your own pace and combine Mazi only with the places you actually want to see.
Compare tours that include Mazi
GetYourGuide currently lists Mazi-specific and Blue Tour options. Check the live itinerary carefully before booking because some “Blue Tours” use Kaymakli or another underground city instead.
Check Mazi tour optionsAffiliate link. Going2Turkey may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Build the south Cappadocia route.
Keslik Monastery
A natural cultural stop on the same southern route.
Sobesos Ancient City
See mosaics, baths and settlement remains for a completely different historical layer.
Soganli Valley
Continue south for rock-cut churches, village scenery and walking.
Kaymakli Underground City
Choose this if you want a larger, more established underground-city circuit.
Mazi Underground City questions
Is Mazi Underground City open to visitors?
Yes. As checked in September 2026, Muze.gov.tr lists it open every day from 08:00 to 19:00, with the ticket office closing at 18:15. Re-check before travel because hours can change.
How much of Mazi Underground City can you visit?
Current Turkish Museums and Cappadocia Geopark information says two levels are open to visitors, even though four entrances have been identified and the wider settlement is larger.
What is special about Mazi Underground City?
Mazi is known for four identified entrances, large stable areas, defensive rolling stones and an underground church reached from the stables. The ancient village name was Mataza.
How long should I allow for Mazi Underground City?
About 45 to 75 minutes is a practical range for most visitors. Allow longer if you move slowly through narrow passages or visit with a guide.
Is Mazi better than Derinkuyu or Kaymakli?
They offer different experiences. Derinkuyu feels deeper, Kaymakli is strong for connected living spaces, and Mazi works especially well on a south Cappadocia route.
Is Mazi Underground City suitable for everyone?
Not necessarily. Passages can be narrow, uneven and confined. People with serious claustrophobia or mobility, heart or breathing concerns should check conditions carefully before entering.