Top 10 Underground Cities in the World | Uncover A Multitude of Secrets Hidden Below!

Underground cities in the world enjoy a chequered past. Its meandering and complex history can be traced back to the Ancient Era in Europe and the Middle East to the ones that were set up when the Cold War was at its peak. The major reason behind digging underground cities was primarily for protection. These subterranean spaces were closed by rolling heavy boulders at their entry point. The chambers below were ventilated through so-called fairy chimneys. Smoke from these cities used to rise to the surface many miles away from the area.

In modern times too, many underground cities were established, like Beijing’s Underground City. Lately, these below-the-surface spaces are more of a network of tunneled roads or shopping centres. Some countries are also in the process of establishing subterranean futuristic cities. In countries where space is a major restraint, such cities can prove to be very crucial for human settlements.

Ancient tunnels, secret or hidden passageways, and an aura of mystery make people curious about this hidden world. From defense to desperation, these secret underground cities have a story to tell. Have a look at the top nine unforeseen cities that exist beneath the surface of the earth.

1. Explore the Underground Realms of Cappadocia

Cappadocia in Turkey, known for its lunar-like region, has no less than 36 underground cities. Out of these 36 cities, Derinkuyu is the most impressive and deepest of all. The city remained hidden from the world until 1963. Criss-crossing passages and tunnels built in the 8th century were used as a shelter in times of war. It is a self-sufficient metropolis, peppered with wells, ventilation shafts, school rooms, kitchens, a bathhouse, a winery, oil presses, and a living space spread over 18-stories to accommodate 20,000 people. The major highlight of this underground city is its cruciform church. Only 10 percent area of this city is accessible to visitors.

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2. Discover The Complex World of Tunnels in Portland

Shanghai Tunnels, also known as the Portland Underground, is another one on our list of hidden underground cities. Numerous tunnels have created an intricate subterranean network linking the Old Town area of Portland with the Central Downtown area. Today, many of these tunnels have ceased to exist due to several ongoing public works projects. Only a few are open for visitors to explore. In the erstwhile times, it linked the basement portions of many hotels and bars with the Willamette River waterfront. It facilitated the movement of supplies from docked ships to storage basements directly without the movement getting hampered due to heavy traffic or rains. Rumours were that the tunnels were used for kidnapping or shanghaiing people and forcing them to serve as sailors. Enjoy a walking tour of these tunnels and enjoy a glimpse of the complex tunnel network.

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3. Take A Glimpse Into The Seamy History of Naours, the Underground City

The Underground City of Naours in France is a complicated labyrinth of approximately 300 man-made rooms. It was set up to be used as a quarry, but soon it developed as a secret village for refuge and defence reasons. We can trace the history of this underground civilization back to the third century AD. It was dotted with wells, chapels, and stables and had enough space to accommodate approximately 3000 people.

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4. Check Out The Impressive Galleries of Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland

Built-in the 1200s using rock salt, the Wieliczka Salt Mine near Krakow is an impressive underground city. Over the years, the miners added new portions to the city and expanded it into 185 miles of 300 chambers and incredible galleries spread over nine stories. Miners used their spare time to build awe-inspiring chandeliers, chapels, and a detailed replica of Da Vinci’s The Last Supper using salt crystal deposits. They used this Underground Salt Cathedral for 700 years before halting rock salt production.

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5. Reveal The Secrets of the Lost City, Petra

Carved into pink, white, and red sandstone cliff faces lies the Lost City of Petra in Jordan. The city was literally lost for hundreds of years to the Western World. This architectural marvel stayed hidden until the 1800s. Nestled amid rugged mountains and desert canyons, Petra was once the capital of the Nabataean Empire and a thriving trade centre. In the 7th century AD, the kingdom started declining. Before it collapsed completely, it was annexed into Rome and, as such, glimpses of Roman architecture are visible throughout the city.

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6. A Creation of Nuclear Paranoia, Dixie Cheng, Beijing

With a profusion of hospital-white, arched corridors, the subterranean world of Dixie Cheng was created as a result of nuclear paranoia. Sprawled across 85 sq km below Beijing city, it was constructed as a hideout to keep people safe in the eventuality of a nuclear war. Built-in the 1960s, it was never used. The city is quite spacious and can accommodate more than a million people for approximately four months. One of the most incredible underground cities, Dixie Cheng, has hospitals, schools, restaurants, granaries, ice skating rink, entertainment venues and more, all connected through a cornucopia of passageways and tunnels. This space is now open to curious tourists.

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7. Explore the Cavernous Vaults in Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, has a rich and haunting past. Suffering through the years of Viking raids and Roman occupation, the city’s social fabric was in tatters. Edinburgh Vaults, a series of chambers, were built within the 19 arches of South Bridge in the 18th century. The primary reason behind the construction of these vaults was downward expansion. These underground vaults were teeming with traders like taverns, cobblers, smelters, bootleggers, etc., but soon fell into disrepute. Discovered in 1985, these are nothing more than dark, damp places.

8. Unravel the Dark Past of Berlin Bunkers, Germany

The subterranean culture has always been well-known in Berlin. Experience the history of German, especially Berlin, from an unconventional perspective, visiting the Berlin Bunkers. Subterranean Berlin is a treasure trove of history, from air-raid shelters to war bunkers. The now peaceful city seems to embrace a lot of secrets. Berlin has witnessed one of the most brutal war crimes. The stories of Nazi concentration camps still give us goosebumps. They built the Berlin bunkers to protect the residents during the war from air raids. These bunkers were rediscovered in 1997 and gave a glimpse into the horrors of World War II.

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9. Take a Guided Tour to Pilsen Historical Underground, Czech Republic

Besides Pilsen Beer, Pilsen City has a lot more to explore, discover, and unravel. The city is home to one of the secret underground cities, which is an amalgamation of cellars, passageways, and wells. Set up in the 14th century, it was a storage space for beer barrels and food. There were rumours about the treasure hidden in the cellar walls. Today, this place is converted into a museum. Guided tours are available to explore this subterranean city and its highlights, like the water tower and the ice cellar.

10. The Mysterious Underground City of Orvieto, Italy

Perched atop volcanic rocks, the mysterious underground city of Orvieto is a maze of subterranean tunnels, counting up to 1200 in number. There are numerous tunnels too. In olden times, it was used to show the remains of the Etruscans, store wines, and medieval oil presses. Later, it was used as a bomb shelter during World War II.

Are you curious to know more about these seemingly hidden underground cities? If mysterious, invisible places pique your interest, plan a trip to any of these underground cities in the world. Unravel the mystery with Adotrip as your travel partner. Enjoy booking reasonably priced flight tickets, hassle-free hotel bookings, exciting holidays, and more! With us, nothing is far!

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Underground Cities in the World

Q 1. Which city has the largest number of underground cities in the world?

A 1. Cappadocia in Turkey, known for its lunar-like region, has no less than 36 underground cities. Out of these 36 cities, Derinkuyu is the most impressive and deepest of all.

Q 2. Is there a secret underground city?

A 2. Yes, there are numerous secret underground cities peppered all over the world. One of them is Cappadocia, Turkey. The city is known to house 36 secret underground cities.

Q 3. Which City is famous as the Lost City of the World?

A 3. Carved into pink, white, and red sandstone cliff faces lies the Lost City of Petra in Jordan. The city was literally lost for hundreds of years to the Western World. This architectural marvel stayed hidden until the 1800s. Nestled amid rugged mountains and desert canyons, Petra was once the capital of the Nabataean Empire and a thriving trade centre.

Q 4. Which city is known as the Underground Salt Cathedral?

A 4. Built-in the 1200s using rock salt, the Wieliczka Salt Mine near Krakow is an impressive underground city. Miners used their spare time to build awe-inspiring chandeliers, chapels, and a detailed replica of Da Vinci’s The Last Supper using salt crystal deposits. They used this Underground Salt Cathedral for 700 years before halting rock salt production.