15 Epic Underground Cities Humans Once Called Home
Mole dwellings are not the only case of living beneath the ground surface. Archaeological studies show that millions of inhabitants have used subterranean cities as residences throughout history, while Derinkuyu has served 20,000 people at any given time.
The hidden underground chambers of our planet allow visitors to explore historical hideouts and secret wartime tunnels used by humans throughout history. People have always questioned the driving force behind communities choosing to live beneath rock ceilings instead of blue skies.
Understandably, get ready to explore these 15 extraordinary subterranean settlements, which showcase that living beneath the surface can be considerably exciting.
Derinkuyu, Turkey
Derinkuyu is the most significant subterranean settlement among all underground cities carved into Cappadocia’s volcanic rock.
The Discovery of Derinkuyu in 1963 happened accidentally after wall demolition revealed the hidden city, adding up to 18 floors and holding space for 20,000 people alongside their animals and provisions. The complex includes ventilation shafts, stables, and chapels, besides a classroom.
Ancient engineers allegedly devised defensive measures that included immense rolling stone doors that tested one’s ability to close them. Modern-day travelers study the complex maze system, while some people in the region warn that getting lost there could mean permanent disappearance.
Naours, France
Visitors never suspect that below the French fields stands a 3-kilometer underground network of galleries. Since the Roman days, Naours has maintained its network, yet its most active periods occurred when it functioned as a World War sanctuary.
The establishment of bakeries and chapels underground happened as more than 3000 people found refuge here. It is a sheltering city that maintains memories about fear and hope.
Soldiers who served during World War I marked their presence with graffiti that included longing messages about homesickness for their cooking in 1916. Glancing at the inscriptions in low light can result in fear, so be careful.
Beijing Underground City, China
Moving downward proves more suitable than upward construction. During the Cold War period, China built Dixia Cheng to protect 1 million citizens from nuclear fallout below its surface.
Tunnels in this system stretch over an area measuring 85 square kilometers (around 33 square miles) and include food storage facilities, medical clinics, and barber shops. The entrance route proves to be difficult, and residents claim that the snack bar service remains discontinued.
The exceptional site stands essential for all those captivated by secret metropolises and villainous Bond hideouts.
Coober Pedy, Australia
Do you think Australia’s deserts are harsh? According to a BBC report, locals in Coober Pedy, an opal mining town with around 2,500 people, found the perfect workaround by moving life underground.
Famous as the “opal capital of the world,” half the town lives in dugouts to beat 2.7C (4.9F) summer temperatures. Underground facilities in Coober Pedy include churches, hotels, and an exhibition hall sheltering deli shelters and masterpieces.
Locals call themselves “Cooberonians” and say life below ground is so comfy that some visitors never check out.
Montréal’s RESO, Canada
In winter, you can walk throughout the city without feeling the cold. Check out Montréal’s RESO, aka “La Ville Souterraine.” The urban complex spans 20.5 miles underground to connect various city elements, including shopping centers, hotels, meter stations, and university buildings.
During winter months, Montrealers relying on the RESO system reach about 500,000 per day because outdoor temperatures are equivalent to walking on arctic terrain. Wearing indoor sunglasses lets you blend into the crowd as though you’re not searching for directions again.
Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland
Visitors to Wieliczka experience magical wonder because salt provides a different kind of splendor. According to Expedia, the mine is over 700 years old and covers 178 miles of twisting passageways.
Workers carved out chapels, statues, and even a ballroom (nothing says “party” like 135 meters underground). UNESCO called it “an absolute must-see.” Visitors who tour the mine should focus their cameras on the eye-catching chandeliers while avoiding the wall-licking activity.
Cappadocia’s Kaymakli, Turkey
Move over, Derinkuyu! Located adjacent to Derinkuyu Kaymakli, it acts as its neighbor and sometimes competitor because it contains eight levels that force visitors to walk hunched over.
Historical records suggest that this subterranean settlement supported 3,500 inhabitants who had tapped into their wine storage capacity, enough to impress any wine expert. Guests love this site’s honeycomb architecture and comfortable nooks, proof that the “walk-in basement” has nothing to do with ancient construction.
Matmata, Tunisia
Matmata stands out to many people as it served as a location for the Star Wars film series (which was filmed in Tunisia). Subterranean houses in this area extend vertically through the ground before linking up with cave networks, providing outstanding defense against desert climate conditions.
The current Berber residents of this town balance traditional customs with their business of greeting film aficionados. Forget Airbnb; here, it’s Earthbnb.
Petra, Jordan
People mostly view Petra as possessing only an extraordinary carved facade architecture, though it penetrates beneath cliffs with elaborate subterranean residential and storage spaces.
Archaeological research shows that Petra reached its maximum population of 20,000 because it had clever water supply systems. UNESCO describes the location as “one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage.” According to Instagram users, this place ranks among the finest photography sites.
Burlington Bunker, UK
Burlington Bunker is England’s biggest underground facility, and its entrance is near the pastoral Wiltshire landscape. The complex from the 1950s could accommodate 4,000 critical government personnel together with its supposedly hidden tea and biscuit supply.
The site stretches across an ample space containing BBC studios and kitchens, and its total mileage is 60 miles in underground tunnels. After the 1990s decommissioning, the site remains allegedly empty except for badgers who seek to feed there.
Vardzia, Georgia
The 12th-century monks and supportive royal figures excavated 13 cave levels into southern Georgian cliffs at Vardzia. According to CNN, the complex boasted 6,000 rooms, including a church with original frescoes.
People living near the region claim ancient hymn melodies echo through the passageways at night. Queen Tamar is purportedly responsible for overseeing the construction, which makes her an extra hands-on leader.
Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain
Massive stones replace houses just as effectively as traditional roofing structures. The Andalusian town constructed houses integrated into large boulders as part of its architecture.
Natural air conditioning features and sun protection block the Spanish heat for residents in this region. The street name Calle Cuevas de la Sombra (Street of the Shadow Caves) reveals everything about this place. Please feel free to reserve your headroom before tasting tapas at this location.
Portland’s Shanghai Tunnels, USA
The Shanghai Tunnels underneath Portland’s historic downtown have gained infamy in Oregon. Initially built for moving goods, they gained a murky reputation as the preferred shortcut for “Shanghaiing” unsuspecting sailors.
This site possesses numerous mysterious tales, so tours through the shadowy passageways are available for the brave-hearted. Stick to walking carefully throughout the area and being alert to your beverage consumption.
Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern, Turkey
Istanbul’s largest ancient cistern might not fit the traditional idea of a “home,” but it’s nothing short of majestic. Known as Yerebatan Sarnıcı, or “Sunken Palace,” this 6th-century marvel was built to store the city’s water and remains an awe-inspiring sight.
The 336 extraordinary columns within the site form an atmospheric haven when temperatures soar in Turkey’s hot climate. People exploring this dim setting will find interesting stone carvings of Medusa faces and fish swimming through the water.
A tour of this site transports visitors to an environment filled with historical secrets, mature elegance, and faded mysticism.
Osówka Underground Complex, Poland
The southwestern region of Poland keeps an intriguing mystery hidden beneath its hills. Hidden beneath Osówka lies a vast network of bunkers and tunnels constructed by Nazi engineers as part of the enigmatic “Project Riese.”
Guided tours reveal some aspects of the enormous underground complex, although its original purpose remains unknown. Multiple people speculate about paranormal activity, yet everyone agrees that experiencing this location is something you will never forget.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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