History Buffs Are Obsessed With These 14 Underground Cities and Their Incredible Stories

Hidden beneath the surface of our world lies a network of underground cities filled with secrets, wonders, and stories of survival. From ancient civilizations to wartime bunkers, these subterranean marvels have been used as homes, hideouts, and even thriving communities.

Exploring these underground cities is like stepping into a living time capsule, where every tunnel and chamber tells a tale. History buffs and curious adventurers alike will be fascinated by these 14 incredible underground cities.

Derinkuyu, Turkey

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Image Credit: Joe Wallace / Flickr

Deep in the Cappadocia region, Derinkuyu is an ancient underground city carved into volcanic rock. Spanning multiple levels, it once housed up to thousands of people.

The city featured living quarters, kitchens, churches, and even ventilation systems. It was used as a refuge during invasions and remains a stunning example of human ingenuity.

Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland

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Image Credit: Dennis Jarvis / Flickr

Located near Kraków, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is more than just a mine—it’s an underground wonderland. Carved entirely out of salt, it features chapels, sculptures, and intricate carvings.

The mine dates back centuries and has served as a place of work, worship, and shelter. Its salty air and glittering walls are unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

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Naours, France

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Image Credit: ThruTheseLines / Flickr

Naours is a vast underground city hidden in northern France, with origins tracing back to Roman times. During wartime, it became a haven for soldiers and locals.

Its intricate tunnels include chapels, wells, and storage areas. Today, visitors can explore the maze-like network and marvel at the graffiti left by Allied soldiers.

Coober Pedy, Australia

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Image Credit: charlotteinaustralia / Flickr

Known as the “Opal Capital of the World,” Coober Pedy in South Australia is home to an underground community. To escape the desert heat, residents have built homes, churches, and shops below ground.

Walking through this living underground city is an otherworldly experience, and its opal mines add a sparkling touch to its history.

Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain

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Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Setenil de las Bodegas is a unique town in southern Spain where homes and shops are built directly into cliffs. While not entirely underground, the overhanging rock formations create a sheltered, cave-like atmosphere.

Its narrow streets and whitewashed buildings offer a glimpse into an ancient way of life.

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Petra, Jordan

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Image Credit: DepositPhotos

While Petra is famous for its iconic façade, its underground components are equally fascinating. This ancient Nabatean city includes rock-cut tombs, storage chambers, and a sophisticated water system.

Walking through the tunnels and caves, you’ll be amazed by the craftsmanship and ingenuity of this once-thriving trade hub.

Edinburgh Vaults, Scotland

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Image Credit: visitscotland.com

Hidden beneath Edinburgh’s bustling streets lies a labyrinth of vaults and chambers dating back centuries. Originally used for storage and workshops, the vaults later became a haven for the city’s poorest residents.

Today, they’re a hotspot for ghost tours and history buffs eager to uncover the stories of this shadowy underworld.

Kish Underground City, Iran

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Image Credit: Blondinrikard Fröberg / Flickr

Kish Underground City, or Kariz, is an ancient aqueduct system that has been transformed into an underground tourist attraction. Located on Kish Island, it dates back over millennia.

The tunnels are lined with coral and fossils, offering a glimpse into the region’s geological and historical past.

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Kaymakli, Turkey

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Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Another marvel of Cappadocia, Kaymakli is an underground city filled with winding tunnels and hidden chambers. Smaller than Derinkuyu but equally impressive, it features stables, kitchens, and communal spaces.

Its strategic design and secret passages made it a perfect refuge during times of danger.

Burlington Bunker, England

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Image Credit: theurbanexplorer.co.uk

Built during the Cold War, Burlington Bunker is a sprawling underground city designed to house the British government in the event of a nuclear attack. Located beneath Corsham in Wiltshire, this top-secret facility includes offices, a hospital, and a telephone exchange.

Though decommissioned, its eerie halls tell the story of a tense era.

Orvieto Underground, Italy

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Image Credit: DepositPhotos

The picturesque town of Orvieto hides an extensive network of caves and tunnels beneath its streets. Used for centuries as wine cellars, olive oil storage, and even escape routes, these underground spaces reveal the ingenuity of Orvieto’s residents.

Tours showcase the history and beauty of these subterranean marvels.

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Helsinki Underground City, Finland

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Image Credit: declad.com

Beneath Helsinki lies a vast underground network that includes shopping centers, parking lots, and even swimming pools. Built to withstand cold winters and potential threats, this modern underground city is a testament to Finnish innovation.

It’s a thriving space where practicality meets creativity.

Moose Jaw Tunnels, Canada

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Image Credit: daryl_mitchell / Flickr

In the early 20th century, the Moose Jaw Tunnels served as a hideout for bootleggers, Chinese immigrants, and even infamous criminals. This underground network in Saskatchewan is steeped in mystery and legend.

Today, guided tours bring its colorful history to life.

Montréal’s Underground City, Canada

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Image Credit: Karl Baron / Flickr

Montréal’s Underground City, or RÉSO, is a sprawling network of tunnels that connects shopping malls, hotels, and metro stations. While not an ancient wonder, its sheer size and functionality make it a modern marvel.

This urban labyrinth offers a warm retreat from the city’s harsh winters.

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