The cave houses were carved into rock pillars and cliffs. Typical features of cave houses include cut-out windows, arched ceilings and multilevel houses connected with narrow passageways and stone stairways. Some cave houses are also part of underground city complexes.
The cave houses were first built and inhabited by Hittites in 2000 B.C. The houses blended into the landscape and offered security from invaders and harsh weather. The cave houses are still inhabited, though residents now have modern conveniences including satellite TV.
The cave houses were carved into a soft rock called tufa. Tufa is a combination of volcanic ash, rock and water. Over time the tufa eroded into "fairy chimneys" or tall conical rock pillars that are the symbol of Cappadocia. When moist, tufa is easy to chisel and shape. Two people could chisel out a cave house in about two days.
Sleeping in a cave can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Some cave houses are now renovated luxurious boutique hotels. Local families also operate more modest two- to three-room cave hotels. Either choice includes most modern conveniences.
Some vacant cave houses are part of the National Park of Cappadocia and are open to visitors. The underground city of Kaymakli was built in 1200 B.C. and is 40 yards underground. It is a complex of homes, workshops, storage and a chapel.
