Kavlaktepe Underground City

History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore Kavlaktepe Underground City is a strategic rock-carved shelter complex located at the foothills of the magnificent Aladağlar range, within the borders of Kavlaktepe Village in Çamardı district, dating back to the Byzantine period (8th - 12th centuries AD). The underground settlement, which spans an area of ​​approximately 600 square meters, consists of 19 independent rock chambers connected to each other with narrow tunnels and bolt stone (tigraz) locking mechanisms. This underground city ensures the security of the historical caravan and military roads extending from the Aladağ Mountains to the Cilician Gates (Gülek Strait); It was built to withstand long-term sieges with its food warehouses, ventilation shafts and cisterns. In folk narratives, it is said that the secret rooms hidden in the depths of the tunnels are protected by the shadow of the eagles on the Demirkazık summit. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features The underground city is carved into a tuff and limestone rocky hill at an altitude of approximately 1,450 meters above sea level, on the western outskirts of Aladağlar National Park. It is a mountainous geography surrounded by the steep 3,000-meter peaks of the Aladağlar, pine forests and apple orchards. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees