Hidden beneath our feet lies a world of mystery and intrigue – ancient underground cities that have been lost to time. These subterranean marvels, carved into rock and built deep within the earth, once sheltered thousands of people from threats above ground. Today, they stand as testament to human ingenuity and resilience.
1. Derinkuyu: The 18-Story Subterranean Marvel
Nestled in the Cappadocia region of Turkey, Derinkuyu stands as a testament to ancient engineering prowess. This vast underground city could shelter up to 20,000 people across its 18 subterranean levels. Carved into soft volcanic rock, Derinkuyu features an intricate network of tunnels, rooms, and passages that stretch nearly 200 feet below the surface.
What sets Derinkuyu apart is its incredible array of amenities. The city boasted ventilation shafts, water wells, kitchens, and even wineries – everything necessary for long-term underground living. Massive stone doors could be rolled into place to seal off sections of the city, providing protection from invaders. Historians believe the Hittites or Phrygians may have first excavated Derinkuyu as far back as the 8th century BCE, though it was later occupied and expanded by Byzantine Christians seeking refuge from Arab invaders.
2. Petra: The Rose City’s Hidden Depths
Most visitors to Petra in Jordan marvel at the ornate facades carved into rose-colored cliffs. But the true extent of this ancient Nabataean capital may still lie hidden beneath the sand. Archaeologists believe a vast network of subterranean structures remains unexcavated, potentially doubling the size of the known city.
Recent surveys using satellite imagery and ground-penetrating radar have revealed the outlines of buried buildings, streets, and what may be an enormous ceremonial platform. These underground spaces likely served multiple purposes – from water storage and flood control to secret meeting places and escape routes. As excavations continue, Petra’s underground realm promises to unveil new insights into Nabataean culture and engineering.
3. Orvieto: Etruscan Tunnels Beneath an Italian Hill Town
Perched atop a volcanic plateau in central Italy, the medieval town of Orvieto harbors a secret – a hidden underground city that predates its surface structures by centuries. This labyrinth of over 1,200 caves, tunnels, and wells was first carved by the ancient Etruscans as early as the 6th century BCE.
The Etruscans engineered this subterranean network for various purposes, including as workshops, storage areas, and possibly defensive shelters. Over the centuries, successive inhabitants expanded the underground spaces. During the Middle Ages, noble families dug private wells and caves, while the caves served as refuge during times of siege. Today, visitors can explore sections of Orvieto Underground, marveling at the ingenuity of its ancient creators and the layers of history etched into its walls.
4. Naours: France’s Hidden Medieval Refuge
Beneath the picturesque countryside of northern France lies a remarkable underground city with roots stretching back to Roman times. The Naours underground city consists of a two-mile network of tunnels connecting over 300 man-made rooms – a veritable subterranean village carved from ancient limestone quarries.
While the Romans initially excavated the site, it was during the turbulent Middle Ages that Naours truly came into its own. Local villagers expanded the caves to create a vast underground refuge, complete with chapels, stables, and bakeries. This hidden sanctuary could shelter up to 3,000 people during times of war or invasion. Forgotten for centuries, Naours was rediscovered in 1887 and has since become a fascinating glimpse into medieval survival strategies and underground living.
5. Burlington Bunker: Cold War Secrets Beneath the Cotswolds
Not all underground cities are ancient history. Buried 100 feet beneath the rolling hills of Wiltshire, England, lies a massive 35-acre complex known as the Burlington Bunker. This top-secret facility was constructed in the 1950s at the height of Cold War tensions. Its purpose? To house the entire British government in the event of a nuclear attack.
Burlington Bunker was designed to accommodate up to 4,000 people, including the Prime Minister, Cabinet members, and essential civil servants. The sprawling underground city featured offices, dormitories, a hospital, cafeterias, and even a BBC broadcasting studio to maintain communication with the outside world. Remarkably, the bunker remained a closely guarded secret until 2004, when it was finally decommissioned. Today, parts of Burlington Bunker have been opened for public tours, offering a chilling glimpse into the realities of Cold War-era nuclear fears.
6. Seattle Underground: A City Beneath a City
In the heart of Seattle’s Pioneer Square district, a hidden world lurks just beneath the sidewalks. The Seattle Underground is a network of subterranean passageways and basements that once made up the ground level of the city. This underground maze was created in the aftermath of the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, when city planners decided to raise street levels by up to 22 feet to combat flooding issues.
As new roads were built atop the old sidewalks, the original ground floors of buildings became basements. For years, businesses operated in this twilight zone, with skylights in the new sidewalks providing limited illumination. Eventually, the underground spaces were abandoned and forgotten. Rediscovered in the 1950s, the Seattle Underground has since become a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the city’s pioneering past and the ingenious solutions of its early inhabitants.
7. Lalibela: Ethiopia’s Hidden Holy City
In the highlands of northern Ethiopia lies a marvel of medieval engineering and religious devotion – the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. This complex of 11 monolithic churches wasn’t built from the ground up, but rather carved into the solid rock from the top down, creating a hidden holy city that has captivated visitors for centuries.
Commissioned in the 12th century by King Lalibela, these subterranean churches were meant to be a “New Jerusalem” for those unable to pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The churches are interconnected by a maze of tunnels, passageways, and hidden chambers, forming a vast underground network. Some tunnels are said to stretch for miles, connecting Lalibela to other religious sites. This underground wonder showcases not only incredible architectural skill but also the profound spiritual devotion of its creators.
8. Beijing Underground City: A Cold War Megastructure
Beneath the bustling streets of Beijing lies a vast underground network that could shelter millions in the event of nuclear war. The Beijing Underground City, also known as Dixia Cheng, was constructed in the 1970s during a period of heightened tensions between China and the Soviet Union. This sprawling complex stretches over 85 square kilometers and connects key government buildings to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and beyond.
Designed to house up to 300,000 people for months, the underground city features a complex network of tunnels, bunkers, and facilities including restaurants, clinics, schools, and even a roller skating rink. While never used for its intended purpose, parts of the complex have been repurposed for storage or as quirky subterranean shopping areas. Though much of Beijing’s underground city remains off-limits, authorized tours offer a fascinating glimpse into this Cold War relic and its potential to transform China’s capital into the world’s largest fallout shelter.
