Historical Ali Mountain Underground City

History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore The historical Ali Mountain Underground City is a fascinating underground defense and living complex created by carving the tuff rocks at the foot of the majestic Ali Mountain, an extinct volcano, in the Talas district, located in the eastern extension of the Cappadocia geological basin. The underground city, which dates back to the period of persecution of Christians by the Roman Empire (3rd and 4th centuries AD) and the Early Byzantine period, is equipped with hundreds of meters long galleries, cisterns, ventilation shafts, places of worship and huge circular millstone sliding doors. These tons of stone doors, which are locked in case of danger, are a perfect example of military engineering that does not allow any outside force to enter. The underground city, which was cleaned and illuminated by the Talas Municipality and opened to tourism, opens the doors of a completely different world hidden under the historical Talas mansions above ground. According to local legend, it is said that these secret labyrinths under Mount Ali extend to the other side of the mountain and to the foothills of Erciyes, and have been a safe shelter for innocent people escaping from wars and invasions for centuries. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features It is located at an altitude of approximately 1,180 meters, on the northern slopes of Mount Ali, southeast of Talas district center. It attracts attention with its volcanic tuff rocks, cool underground microclimate (12-14 degrees in summer and winter) and rich geological texture. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees