14 Mind-Blowing Ancient Underground Cities You Never Knew Existed
Picture an underground labyrinth of tunnels where entire civilizations once thrived beneath your feet. These ancient underground cities are engineering marvels, showcasing human resilience, innovation, and culture. Did you know these metropolises could house up to 70,000 people and serve as sanctuaries during wars and natural disasters? According to Dr. Eric Cline, archaeologist and author of 1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed, “These cities are a testament to human ingenuity, built to withstand the forces of nature and the chaos of conflict.”
Experts say only 10 to 20 percent of these underground tunnels have been uncovered, and massive networks remain undiscovered. We present 14 fantastic underground cities and explore the secrets underneath.
Derinkuyu, Turkey
Derinkuyu was discovered in 1963, plunging over 280 feet below the Earth’s surface with 18 levels of tunnels and chambers. It was an ancient city that could hold some 20,000 people and their stock and supplies. Archaeologist Yasin Akgul notes, “Derinkuyu’s vastness and complexity are a testament to the ingenuity of its builders.”
The city’s design, with its ventilation shafts, wells, and communal spaces, also clearly shows that it was a shelter during times of violence. The discovery has been hugely enlightening regarding the subterranean lifestyles of ancient Anatolian civilizations.
Matiate, Turkey
There are some 1,900 years of history behind Matiate, which is believed to have been inhabited for as long beneath the town of Midyat. It could have sheltered as many as 70,000 people, possibly making it the most significant underground city on the planet. Excavation leader Gani Tarkan remarks, “We aim to gradually uncover the entire underground city and open it to tourists.”
Its extensive network of tunnels and rooms provided sanctuary for Pagans, Jews, Christians, and Muslims who were persecuted in the city. The region has a rich cultural and religious history, the discovery of which sheds light on its significance.
Valeriana, Mexico
The ancient Maya city of Valeriana, which includes over 6,700 structures, including a large pyramid, was accidentally discovered using Lidar technology. Archaeologist Luke Auld-Thomas emphasizes, “Many Maya sites remain undiscovered, and each new find offers invaluable insights into their civilization.”
Its layout, with sports fields, causeways, and amphitheaters, provides a complex urban design and social structure. The discovery reveals the sophistication of ancient Maya architecture and society.
Mitla, Mexico
Underneath the Church of San Pablo Apostol in Mitla, there is a system of tunnels thought to be the entrances to the Zapotec underworld. Recent confirmation, using ground–penetrating radar, has revealed these tunnels, some of which are as much as 30m deep. Archaeologist Kevin Terraciano notes, “The extensive underground system may have been a burial site for Zapotec kings and priests.”
Culturally and religiously, the tunnels are associated with Pitao Bezelao, the Zapotec god of death. Their discovery helps us better understand the Zapotec beliefs and rituals.
Naours, France
Over 2 miles (4 kilometers) of tunnels and 300 rooms earned the underground city of Naours its notoriety as it was carved out in the 3rd century AD. Historian Gilles Prilaux states, “Naours served as a refuge during times of war and conflict, providing shelter for thousands.”
During World War I, it became a hideout for soldiers, some of whom scratched their names on the walls. These carvings offer glimpses into the lives of those who had taken refuge within its depths.
Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland
The Wieliczka Salt Mine was operational from the 13th century through 2007. It covers 178 miles of shafts and extends to depths of more than 1,000 feet. Tour guide Anna Wlazlowska remarks, “The mine’s chapels and sculptures, carved entirely from salt, showcase the artistic talents of the miners.”
It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and is popular among the country’s one million annual visitors, who flock to view the storied subterranean lakes and chapels and the intricate salt carvings.
Petra, Jordan
Although famed for its rock-cut architecture, Petra has much below ground. Archaeologist Christopher Tuttle notes, “Recent surveys suggest that only 15% of Petra has been uncovered; the rest remains underground and untouched.”
Built in 312 BC, this ancient city, founded by the Nabateans, was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom and is famous for its sophisticated water conduit system and monumental facades.
Edinburgh Vaults, Scotland
Dating from the close of the 18th century, the Edinburgh Vaults are a network of 120 rooms underneath the South Bridge of the city. Historian Jan-Andrew Henderson states, “The vaults were initially used for storage but later became a hub for illicit activities.”
Since then they have been rediscovered, abandoned due to poor conditions, only to be rediscovered again in 1980 and have grown into one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country, with stories of hauntings and other historical intrigue telling tales.
Orvieto Underground, Italy
Orvieto, a picturesque hill town in Italy, harbors a hidden world beneath its cobblestone streets. Carved into the volcanic tuff rock beneath the city are over 1,200 caves, tunnels, and wells, some dating back to Etruscan times (700–300 BCE).
One of the most intriguing structures is St. Patrick’s Well, an engineering marvel built in the 16th century to ensure a steady water supply during sieges. The well features a double-helix staircase, allowing donkeys to carry water up and down without ever crossing paths. Archaeologist Paolo Esposito explains, “Orvieto’s underground reflects centuries of adaptation, where each era left its mark in stone.”
Montreal’s RESO, Canada
Known as the “Underground City,” Montreal’s RESO comprises over 20 miles of tunnels connecting shopping centers, hotels, and metro stations. Urban planner Pierre-Yves Guay remarks, “RESO is a testament to innovative urban design, providing shelter from harsh winter conditions.”
Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain
In Setenil de las Bodegas, the natural rocks are the roofs and walls of the city, combined with architecture.
Historian Luis Romero remarks, “Setenil is a living testament to humanity’s ability to adapt and thrive.” Its unique design attracts tourists and preserves its cultural heritage.
Coober Pedy, Australia
Coober Pedy, famous for its opals, has become home to residents fleeing the searing heat and taking to the caves to live underground instead. This “dugout” town includes houses, shops, and a church.
Local historian Alison Harvey says, “Coober Pedy is a place where necessity birthed ingenuity, creating a truly unique way of life.”
Turkey’s Cappadocia’s Underground Cities
Outside of Derinkuyu, Cappadocia has dozens of underground cities with their mysteries. For instance, in Kaymakli, one finds complexes with tiny ventilation systems, wine presses, etc.
The things in these cities show how ingenious the ancient societies could be in configuring themselves to survive their environments.
Naqsh-e Rostam, Iran
While better known for its magnificent rock-cut tombs, Naqsh-e Rostam in southern Iran also hides a network of underground passages used for ceremonial and burial purposes. These tunnels were part of a Zoroastrian necropolis, where rituals for the dead were conducted in secrecy.
Dr. Farhad Zanganeh, a historian specializing in Persian archaeology, explains, “Naqsh-e Rostam’s underground elements reflect the Zoroastrian belief in the sacredness of the earth, where burials were designed to avoid contaminating the soil.” Some tunnels even lead to small chambers where priests conducted rituals with fire, an element central to Zoroastrian worship
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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