Beneath the world’s bustling metropolises and quiet landscapes lie entire cities, concealed from sight, carved into rock, and shrouded in mystery. These underground settlements, some dating back thousands of years, tell stories of civilizations that sought refuge, protection, and sustainability beneath the earth’s surface. From ancient troglodyte communities to war-time bunkers turned into thriving subterranean neighborhoods, these buried worlds offer a fascinating glimpse into human ingenuity and resilience.
Derinkuyu, Turkey
Deep beneath the Cappadocian region of Turkey lies Derinkuyu, an awe-inspiring subterranean metropolis capable of sheltering 20,000 people. Carved from soft volcanic rock, this multi-level city extends over 280 feet below the surface, featuring living quarters, storage rooms, ventilation shafts, wells, chapels, and even stables.
Believed to have been initially excavated by the Phrygians around the 8th century BCE, Derinkuyu later became a crucial refuge for early Christians escaping persecution. Ingeniously designed stone doors, rolling shut from the inside, provided protection against invaders. With its intricate network of tunnels and air circulation systems, Derinkuyu stands as one of history’s most remarkable underground feats.
Naours, France
In northern France, under the pastoral landscape of Picardy, lies Naours, a labyrinthine underground city rediscovered in the 19th century. Initially carved by locals in the Middle Ages to escape Viking raids, Naours evolved into a wartime hideout during World War I, sheltering soldiers from the relentless bombardments above.
The subterranean network comprises over 300 rooms, chapels, and storage spaces, meticulously connected by two miles of tunnels. What makes Naours particularly intriguing is the thousands of graffiti carvings left behind by WWI soldiers—etched reminders of those who sought refuge in the depths below. Today, visitors can walk through the silent tunnels, tracing the steps of those who lived and fought in these underground corridors.
Beijing’s Underground City, China
Beneath the bustling streets of Beijing lies a vast, yet largely forgotten, Cold War-era refuge. Built in the 1960s during tensions with the Soviet Union, this underground city, known as Dìxià Chéng, was designed to shelter up to one million people in case of nuclear war.
Stretching over 33 square miles, this network of tunnels once housed schools, theaters, hospitals, and even factories. Though many sections have been sealed off or repurposed, portions of Beijing’s underground city still exist, hidden beneath the rapid urbanization above. A walk through its damp, dimly lit corridors serves as a chilling reminder of a time when nations prepared for apocalyptic scenarios beneath their own feet.
Coober Pedy, Australia
In the heart of the Australian Outback, where daytime temperatures soar past 100°F (38°C), an entire town has adapted by moving beneath the desert. Coober Pedy, known as the “Opal Capital of the World,” is home to thousands who live in underground dwellings called dugouts to escape the relentless heat.
Unlike ancient underground cities built for defense, Coober Pedy’s subterranean structures provide climate-controlled comfort. Residents enjoy underground homes, churches, hotels, and even a bar—all carved into the soft sandstone. The result? A modern underground community where residents experience perpetual coolness without the need for air conditioning.
Pilsen’s Historic Underground, Czech Republic
Beneath the charming streets of Pilsen, Czech Republic, lies a vast underground labyrinth, originally excavated in the 13th century. This extensive system of cellars, tunnels, and wells was crucial to medieval survival, providing storage for food, beer, and protection from invaders.
The network spans over 12 miles, with sections open for guided tours. Visitors can explore ancient brewing rooms where beer was stored at optimal temperatures, as well as secret escape routes used during times of siege. Pilsen’s underground city showcases the resourcefulness of medieval urban planning, blending practicality with strategic foresight.
Edinburgh Vaults, Scotland
Beneath the cobbled streets of Edinburgh, Scotland, lies a network of vaults constructed in the 18th century. Initially used as storage spaces for merchants, these underground chambers soon became slums, housing the city’s poorest residents in cramped and unsanitary conditions.
The Edinburgh Vaults are now notorious for their eerie past, with stories of crime, disease, and even hauntings lingering in their dark corners. Today, they serve as a fascinating, albeit chilling, historical site where visitors can explore the grim realities of life in Edinburgh’s hidden underworld.
Petra’s Hidden Chambers, Jordan
Though famous for its breathtaking rock-cut façades, Petra also boasts an intricate network of subterranean chambers and tunnels that remain largely unexplored. Built by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago, Petra’s underground structures include water reservoirs, secret passageways, and elaborate burial chambers.
These hidden spaces allowed the Nabataeans to thrive in the harsh desert, storing water efficiently and protecting their city from external threats. While the iconic Treasury and Monastery draw millions of visitors, the deeper, lesser-known underground sections of Petra hold secrets still waiting to be uncovered.
Burlington Bunker, England
Hidden beneath Corsham, England, the Burlington Bunker was a top-secret underground city designed to house the British government in the event of nuclear war. Constructed during the Cold War, this subterranean refuge could accommodate up to 4,000 people and included offices, kitchens, a hospital, and even a BBC broadcasting studio to deliver messages to the nation.
Spanning 35 acres, Burlington remained classified for decades before being decommissioned. Though never used for its intended purpose, this underground stronghold reveals the extraordinary lengths governments went to in preparing for nuclear conflict.
Kish Underground City, Iran
Kish Island, located in the Persian Gulf, is home to one of the oldest underground urban structures in the world. Built around 500 BCE, the Kish Underground City (Kariz) functioned as an elaborate water management system, filtering and storing water for the island’s inhabitants.
Today, portions of this underground city have been transformed into a tourist attraction, where visitors can walk through ancient coral-lined tunnels and witness the advanced engineering of ancient Persian civilizations. The system’s ability to sustain life in an arid climate stands as a testament to the innovation of its builders.
The world’s underground cities, whether ancient refuges or modern survival shelters, continue to captivate those who seek to understand human resilience. These hidden metropolises serve as powerful reminders of how civilizations have adapted to threats—both environmental and manmade—by carving out entire worlds beneath the earth’s surface.
