Aya Maryeros Underground Monastery Cappadocia: A Historic Discovery

Cappadocia never ceases to amaze travelers with its unique landscapes and underground wonders. Recently, authorities announced the restoration of the Aya Maryeros Underground Monastery Cappadocia, believed to be the world’s oldest mental hospital. Located in Derinkuyu, Nevşehir, this underground sanctuary dates back to the 4th century A.D., offering both historical and cultural value for visitors worldwide.

From Neglect to Tourism: Aya Maryeros Underground Monastery Cappadocia

First identified in the 1990s, Aya Maryeros remained buried under a neglected building in Cumhuriyet district. Restoration efforts are now transforming this forgotten site into a major tourist attraction. Much like Cappadocia’s famous underground cities, the monastery features tunnels, rock-carved galleries, storage rooms, and living spaces.

Local officials emphasize that the site once functioned as a mental hospital, where Christian clerics cared for people with psychological conditions. Mayor Taner İnce described it as “the world’s first mental hospital,” underscoring its unique historical value.

Inside Aya Maryeros Underground Monastery in Derinkuyu, Cappadocia. Workers and historians inspecting chambers of what is considered the world’s first mental hospital.
Aya Maryeros Underground Monastery Cappadocia – restoration team exploring ancient stone chambers.

Healing in the Byzantine Era: Early Mental Health Care in Cappadocia

Historical records show that the Aya Maryeros Underground Monastery Cappadocia was active during the Byzantine era. In the 4th century, religious figures supervised the treatment of mentally ill individuals. This makes the site not only a religious center but also a pioneering place of healing.

Authorities plan to fully restore the complex, install permanent lighting, and convert it into a museum. This will allow visitors to explore the tunnels and rooms where history and medicine once intersected.

Scholarly Insights on Aya Maryeros Underground Monastery Cappadocia

Historian Eray Karaketir explained that the monastery lies about 10–15 meters underground and is part of a wider network of underground Cappadocia settlements. Built by early Christians fleeing persecution, these rock-hewn sanctuaries were used not only for worship but also for therapy.

Centuries of looting left Aya Maryeros damaged, with collapsed columns and destroyed wooden doors. Restoration works now aim to stabilize the structure and possibly reopen blocked tunnels that may connect to the Derinkuyu Underground City, already one of Cappadocia’s most visited attractions.

Restoration team analyzing the rock-carved structure inside Aya Maryeros Underground Monastery in Derinkuyu, Cappadocia, believed to be the world’s first mental hospital.
Aya Maryeros Underground Monastery Cappadocia – historians inspecting stone walls of the ancient underground site.

A New Chapter for Cappadocia Tourism

The addition of Aya Maryeros to Cappadocia’s heritage will strengthen the region’s reputation as a hub of cultural tourism. Visitors already fascinated by Göreme Open Air Museum, Derinkuyu Underground City, and hot air balloon rides will soon have another extraordinary site to explore.

With its unique blend of spirituality, healing, and history, the Aya Maryeros Underground Monastery Cappadocia promises to become a must-see attraction.

Cappadocia’s fascinating history is not limited to the Aya Maryeros Underground Monastery. Discover more in our related blog posts:

For more insights about Cappadocia’s history and attractions, you can also explore todoincappadocia.com – one of the most trusted blogs dedicated to the region.