Mazı, known as Mataza in antiquity, lies 18 km south of Ürgüp and 10 km east of Kaymaklı Yeraltı Şehri. These directions locate the town in relation to two different reference points. Archaeological finds point to Mazı’s very long history. For travelers interested in culture and archaeology, this historical breadth is a useful starting point: its distinctive features differ in form, location, and period. If you choose a destination based on such interests, Mazı can be understood through more than one historical focus.

The Underground City and Its Architecture

A short corridor leads from the stables of Mazı Yeraltı Şehri to the underground church. The church’s apse is carved into a corner, and its façade is decorated with reliefs. An apse forms the end of a church interior; in Mazı, the interior’s shape and the façade’s design are thus two distinct architectural features. The corridor adds a specific spatial connection within the complex to these details.

Mazı Yeraltı Şehri was closed to visitors in 2003 because of cave-ins and reopened in 2015. Before visiting, it is advisable to check the current access conditions.

The chronology is also multifaceted: archaeological finds point in general to a very long history, while individual burial sites are assigned to specific periods. The overall picture and the named periods serve different purposes: one conveys Mazı’s distant past, while the others date individual historical features more precisely.

Tombs and Historical Traces

Rock-cut tombs from the early Roman period are found on both steep slopes of the valley near Mazı; numerous Byzantine-period tombs lie on the plateau. These examples can be distinguished by location and period: the rock-cut tombs are associated with the valley slopes and the early Roman period, while the numerous plateau tombs date to the Byzantine period. About 300 tombs of infants, children, and adults were also identified on two hills near Mazı. This approximate number adds another indication of scale and several age groups to the historical picture.

Mazı’s historical features also include pottery kilns. They broaden the archaeological subject matter beyond the underground complex and burial sites. In this way, different kinds of historical traces come together in the town’s history, rather than only one building type or period taking center stage.

Understanding Mazı as a Cultural Destination

Culture and archaeology are at the heart of the decision to visit Mazı, but the topics are not all the same: the underground church draws attention to architecture, the burial sites can be understood by location and period, and the pottery kilns add another historical feature to the picture. If you are looking for a holiday rental for a trip to Mazı, you can first consider whether this archaeological focus suits your interests. If you want the underground city to be central to your visit, it is advisable to check the latest access conditions.

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Go to the main travel overview: Nevşehir.