Exploring underground cities is like stepping into a hidden world beneath our feet. These incredible places are not just caves or tunnels; they are full-fledged communities built beneath the surface of the Earth. From ancient times to modern-day marvels, these underground cities offer a glimpse into how people have adapted to their environments in extraordinary ways.
Whether for protection, climate control, or sheer innovation, these subterranean wonders showcase human ingenuity at its finest.
1. Derinkuyu, Turkey
Derinkuyu is an ancient multi-level underground city in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. It dates back to the Byzantine era and could house up to 20,000 people, along with their livestock and food stores.
The city was equipped with everything needed for a community, including living quarters, kitchens, wine cellars, and even a school. Derinkuyu was primarily used as a refuge during times of war and invasion, providing a safe haven for its inhabitants.
2. Coober Pedy, Australia
Coober Pedy is a unique underground town in the heart of the Australian Outback, famous for its opal mining. The extreme heat above ground led residents to build their homes, shops, and even churches underground. This keeps them cool and comfortable despite the scorching desert temperatures.
Visitors to Coober Pedy can tour these “dugouts” and experience this remarkable way of life, where the underground world is just as bustling as the surface.
3. Montreal’s RESO, Canada
Montreal’s RESO, also known as La Ville Souterraine, is a vast underground city in Canada. It spans over 33 kilometers and connects shopping centers, hotels, universities, and metro stations.
This underground complex allows residents and visitors to navigate the city comfortably during harsh winters. RESO showcases a blend of practicality and modern urban design, making it a vital part of Montreal’s infrastructure.
4. Beijing Underground City, China
Built during the Cold War, Beijing’s Underground City is a vast network of tunnels beneath China’s capital. Designed as a fallout shelter, it covers an area of 85 square kilometers and includes everything from sleeping quarters to theaters.
While it’s no longer in use for its original purpose, parts of it are open to the public. It serves as a fascinating historical site, showing how people prepared for potential threats during turbulent times.
5. Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain
Setenil de las Bodegas is a picturesque village in southern Spain, famous for its unique architecture. Many of the homes and shops are built into and under large rock overhangs, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape. This design helps regulate temperatures, keeping the interiors cool in summer and warm in winter.
The town’s charming streets and rock-integrated buildings make it a popular destination for tourists.
6. Naours, France
Naours is an extensive underground city in northern France, initially carved out in the Middle Ages. It served as a refuge during various wars and conflicts, offering safety to thousands of people. The city includes over 300 rooms, chapels, and stables, all connected by a labyrinth of tunnels.
Today, Naours is open to visitors, providing a glimpse into the region’s history and the resilience of its people.
7. Cappadocia Underground Cities, Turkey
Cappadocia is home to several underground cities, with Derinkuyu and Kaymakli being the most famous. These cities date back to the Hittite era and were expanded during the Byzantine period. They feature complex networks of tunnels and rooms used for living, storage, and worship.
The underground cities of Cappadocia were primarily used as shelters during invasions, showcasing the region’s rich historical legacy.
8. Edinburgh Vaults, Scotland
The Edinburgh Vaults, also known as the South Bridge Vaults, are a series of underground chambers in Scotland’s capital. Built in the late 18th century, they were initially used as storage spaces and workshops. Over time, they became home to taverns, illegal gambling dens, and even residences for the city’s poor.
Today, the vaults are a popular tourist attraction, known for their haunted history and ghost tours.
9. Matmata, Tunisia
Matmata is a small town in southern Tunisia famous for its troglodyte dwellings. These underground homes are dug into the earth, creating naturally insulated living spaces. Matmata’s unique architecture gained worldwide fame when it was used as a filming location for the Star Wars series.
Visitors can explore these fascinating homes and learn about the traditional lifestyle of the Berber people who live there.
10. Burlington Bunker, England
Burlington Bunker is a massive underground city built during the Cold War in Corsham, England. Designed to house the British government in the event of a nuclear attack, it includes offices, living quarters, and even a BBC studio.
Although it was never used, the bunker remains an intriguing relic of Cold War-era preparedness. It highlights the lengths governments went to protect themselves during this tense period in history.
11. Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland
The Wieliczka Salt Mine, located near Krakow, Poland, is a remarkable underground city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Operating since the 13th century, it features intricate chapels, sculptures, and even a cathedral, all carved from salt.
The mine extends over 300 kilometers of tunnels and chambers, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the art and history of salt mining.
12. Helsinki’s Underground City, Finland
Helsinki’s underground city is a modern marvel, featuring an extensive network of facilities beneath the Finnish capital. It includes shopping centers, swimming pools, and even an underground church.
This subterranean infrastructure helps the city manage its harsh winters and provides additional space in a densely populated area. Helsinki’s underground city is a testament to innovative urban planning and design.