Hittite-era salt cave in Central Türkiye draws near 2 million visitors

Turkey

Underground Salt City in Çankırı records 20% growth, driven by new attractions and health-tourism projects

An underground salt cave in Türkiye’s Central Anatolia region, where salt has been extracted since Hittite times, welcomed 1.8 million visitors in 2025, up 20% year on year. The figures were announced by İsmail Hakkı Esen, mayor of Çankırı, highlighting the growing importance of the site for regional tourism.

Located around 20 kilometres from the city centre, the Underground Salt City now spans an enclosed area of 24,000 square metres. Visitors explore a network of ancient tunnels and chambers that include a 200-year-old donkey preserved intact, taxidermied animals, as well as sculptures and other artworks carved into the salt.

Promotion and new concepts drive growth

According to Esen, targeted promotional activities in recent years have played a decisive role in the rising visitor numbers. Special projects such as the Touristic Salt Express and initiatives linked to health tourism have significantly increased the cave’s visibility and appeal.

“Next year, our visitors will encounter a very different salt cave, as we are creating additional spaces,” the mayor said. The expansion has already increased the accessible area from 18,000 to 24,000 square metres with the opening of new sections.

Focus on health tourism and international guests

A key part of the development strategy is health tourism. Esen noted that facilities created for this segment will be further expanded, with the aim of positioning Çankırı as an international destination in this field.

“By further developing the area we have created for health tourism, we will open Çankırı to international health tourism as well,” he said.

Infrastructure challenges and future plans

The rapid rise in visitor numbers has also put pressure on local infrastructure, particularly when large groups arrive simultaneously. “In some cases, the city’s infrastructure cannot fully accommodate visitors because they come in large groups,” Esen acknowledged.

Local authorities are now working on upgrades to better handle peak demand and to support the city’s broader tourism ambitions. “By preparing the necessary infrastructure, we aim to turn Çankırı into a tourism city,” Esen said, adding that the salt cave, whose development began five years ago, continues to increase its contribution to local tourism each year. He expects visitor numbers to rise further in the coming period.