Grayson West
Hidden beneath our feet are worlds you never knew existed. Some are ancient sanctuaries carved by hand to escape invaders, while others are modern wonders that solve everyday challenges in creative ways. So, here are 20 underground places that are time capsules of ingenuity and survival. Swipe to explore them all.
Derinkuyu, Turkey
Built during the Byzantine era, Derinkuyu stretches 200 feet underground, housing 20,000 people at its peak. This ancient refuge includes stables, wine presses, and a unique ventilation system ensuring fresh air reaches the deepest levels. Its genius design also features rolling stone doors for security. This way, each level offered safety from invaders.
Coober Pedy, Australia
What started as a mining town became an underground lifestyle. Coober Pedy residents live in “dugouts,” with homes, cafes, and a hotel carved from the sandstone. Extreme heat drove this innovation. Here, the underground Serbian Orthodox Church, with stained glass and icons, is a standout. Plus, here, temperatures stay constant, offering natural air conditioning.
Montreal’s RESO, Canada
Winter is no match for this subterranean marvel. RESO, spanning over 33 kilometers, links office towers, metro stations, and over 2,000 stores. Its underground city keeps daily life thriving even during snowstorms. Built in the 1960s, Montreal’s RESO is a hub for work, shopping, and commuting, which displays urban planning at its finest.
Petra, Jordan
Petra’s allure lies in its rock-carved sophistication. The Nabateans created reservoirs and channels that made desert survival possible. Beyond the iconic Treasury, Petra hides tombs and a theater capable of seating 4,000. Its strategic position on trade routes made it wealthy and influential. Today, its architecture stands as an ancient wonder.
Matmata, Tunisia
Generations of Berber families have lived in underground homes dug into the sandstone. These crater-like structures form courtyards, leading to cave rooms that stay cool despite scorching desert heat. Matmata gained global fame as the filming location for Luke Skywalker’s home in “Star Wars.” Visitors can now explore these living relics.
Beijing Underground City, China
During the Cold War, Beijing’s leaders envisioned this subterranean network as a fallout shelter. It spans 85 square kilometers, accommodating up to 281,000 people. Fully equipped with schools, theaters, and hospitals, it was prepared for emergencies. While much of it remains closed, sections hint at its once-vital purpose.
Edinburgh Vaults, Scotland
Beneath Edinburgh’s bustling streets lies a hidden world of history and mystery—the Edinburgh Vaults. Built in the late 18th century, these subterranean chambers were initially used for storage by merchants. However, they soon fell into disrepair and became a grim haven for Edinburgh’s poorest residents and a rumored hotspot for criminal activities.
Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland
Operational since the 13th century, this underground wonder stretches over 178 miles of tunnels and descends to depths of nearly 1,000 feet. What makes it extraordinary are the stunning chapels and chandeliers—crafted entirely from salt by miners over the centuries. It’s evidence of human creativity and resilience.
SubTropolis, USA
This Kansas City marvel repurposes an old limestone mine into an underground business complex. SubTropolis covers 55 million square feet and hosts offices and also a film archive. Its constant 68°F temperature reduces energy costs. This modern underground complex shows how the industry can innovate in unexpected ways.
Nevşehir Underground City, Turkey
Recently discovered, this enormous underground city dates back to the Byzantine period. It’s larger than Derinkuyu, with tunnels over 5 kilometers long. The city likely housed thousands and included wine cellars, kitchens, and secret escape routes. Archaeologists believe it served as both a refuge and a community hub during conflicts.
Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain
Here, homes are carved into cliffs to form a blend of nature and architecture. Setenil’s design provides insulation from extreme temperatures, which is both innovative and practical. Streets wind through rock faces, giving this Andalusian village its distinct charm. Moreover, its bakeries, which still use stone ovens, add to its allure.
Basilica Cistern, Turkey
The Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Turkey, is an architectural marvel hidden beneath the vibrant city streets. Among its many highlights are the mysterious Medusa heads used as column bases, believed to be repurposed from older structures. The cistern’s cool, damp air and gently rippling waters make it feel like a secret palace frozen in time.
Naours, France
Naours’ tunnels, carved during medieval times, became a sanctuary during wars. Originally dug as chalk quarries, the tunnels of Naours were later transformed into a sprawling subterranean refuge. During times of turmoil and invasion, entire communities sought shelter here, complete with chapels, stables, and bakeries carved into the rock.
Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, Colombia
Deep below the surface in Zipaquirá, Colombia, a salt mine turned into something extraordinary—a cathedral! The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is a blend of faith, art, and geology carved into salty rock. Walking through the tunnels feels like entering another dimension where salt miners had a divine artistic streak.
Kaymaklı, Turkey
Just a few miles away, this ancient subterranean marvel in Cappadocia is one of the largest underground cities ever discovered. Created to shelter thousands, this underground labyrinth spans eight levels (four of which are open to visitors) and includes living quarters. It also features rolling stone doors that could seal off sections for protection.
Orvieto Underground, Italy
Centuries of digging by Orvieto’s residents created a labyrinth under the city. Etruscan wells, medieval olive presses, and secret passageways form its hidden world. These tunnels offered escape routes during sieges and storage for food and wine. Today, exploring them reveals layers of history beneath this picturesque hilltop town.
Gilmerton Cove, Scotland
This cove consists of a labyrinth of hand-carved sandstone rooms and tunnels, complete with seating areas. The craftsmanship suggests it was made for a specific purpose, though what that was remains debated. Some theories suggest it was used by Covenanters, a Presbyterian movement, as a secret meeting place during times of religious persecution in the 17th century.
Ozark Caverns, USA
Ozark Caverns, situated in Lake of the Ozarks State Park in Missouri, is a natural wonder that provides a sneak peek into the region’s rich geological history. One of its standout features is the “Angel Showers,” a mesmerizing water phenomenon where a steady stream of water drips from the cave ceiling without a visible source.
Helsinki Underground, Finland
Designed with Finland’s harsh winters and security needs in mind, this underground system offers year-round functionality while maximizing the use of limited surface space. Plus, it is connected to the city’s metro system. Not only does it showcase Helsinki’s commitment to efficient urban design, but it also highlights sustainable energy practices.
Pilsen Historical Underground, Czech Republic
The Pilsen Historical Underground, spanning over 12 miles, was created in the 14th century and served as a multifunctional space for food storage and secret passageways. Currently, visitors can explore sections of this underground labyrinth on guided tours, learning about its connection to Pilsen’s famed beer brewing traditions and its role in the city’s defense.