Beneath our feet, hidden from the eyes of most, lie vast underground cities—some ancient, some modern, and some still in use today. These hidden worlds tell stories of survival, war, secrecy, and human ingenuity. Here are some of the most fascinating underground cities that remain shrouded in mystery.
One of the largest underground cities ever discovered, Derinkuyu is an ancient, multi-level city in Cappadocia that could house up to 20,000 people. Built by early Christians to escape persecution, the city had tunnels, storage rooms, a ventilation system, and even stables. It’s a marvel of engineering, with some tunnels leading to other hidden cities in the region.
This remote Australian town is known for its opal mining, but the real secret lies underground. Due to extreme desert heat, most of Coober Pedy’s residents live in dugout homes beneath the surface. There are underground hotels, shops, and even a church, making it one of the most unique underground communities still inhabited today.
3. Beijing’s Underground City, China
During the Cold War, China built a massive underground city known as “Dìxià Chéng” beneath Beijing. It was designed as a fallout shelter in case of a nuclear attack. Though parts of it have been closed to the public, many of its tunnels and bunkers still exist beneath the modern metropolis.
4. The Catacombs of Paris, France
Beneath the streets of Paris lie hundreds of miles of catacombs, housing the remains of over six million people. Originally limestone quarries, these tunnels became an underground ossuary in the 18th century. Today, only a small portion is accessible, but urban explorers (known as “cataphiles”) still venture into forbidden sections.
5. The Tunnels of Moose Jaw, Canada
This network of tunnels beneath Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, is rumored to have been used by bootleggers, including Al Capone, during Prohibition. Chinese immigrants also reportedly lived underground to escape discrimination in the early 1900s. Today, tours explore these fascinating tunnels and their secret past.
Why Are These Underground Cities Important?
These underground cities reveal hidden chapters of history—places of refuge, trade, survival, and even crime. Some were built out of necessity, while others were created for strategic advantage. Either way, they remind us of the lengths humans will go to adapt and survive.
