9 Awesome Underground Cities Scattered Across The World

The cities of today are continuing to show off tall buildings and skyscrapers that seem to touch the sky, but what not a lot of people realize is that beneath the grounds, civilization can also thrive.

Underground cities have long existed in ancient times; most of them are now remnants of an old civilization and are being opened to tourists. Other countries are developing them as a place where people can shop and dine, and take refuge from the blistering cold. Here are nine of the most awesome underground places.

1. Derinkuyu, Cappadocia (Turkey)

Cappadocia is a Turkish region that is home to several underground cities. Derinkuyu is one of them and is the largest of the underground dwellings in the region. It is measured at 85 meters deep and has 18 stories.

According to the Turkish Department of Culture, the Derinkuyu underground city was first built in the 8th to 7th centuries B.C. It features ventilations shafts, fresh flowing water, wells, tombs, escape routes, shops, and individual living quarters, and can accommodate up to 20,000 people.

2. PATH, Toronta (Canada)

PATH is located in downtown Toronto and features an underground walkway that stretches to 30 kilometers, offering people a place for shopping, various services and forms of entertainment.

The Guinness Book of Records lists PATH as the largest underground shopping complex with about 1,200 shops and services.

3. Wieliczka Salt Mine, Wieliczka (Poland)

Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of Poland’s largest tourist destinations. It was opened in the 13th century and continued to produce salt until 2007. Mining of salt was stopped in 1996.

The Salt Mine is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today, it is a favorite tourist spot, receiving one million visits each year. The mine features underground concerts and salt exhibits. It also serves as a venue for performing artists and film productions.

4. Kish Island, Hormozgān Province (Iran)

Kish is a small island in the Persian Gulf that offers several beautiful attractions for vacationers. The island’s Underground City, built over 2,000 years ago, is a frequented spot. Originally, the underground city is an aqueduct that served to transport water to different areas in the island.

5. Coober Pedy (South Australia)

This town is considered as the “opal capital of the world,” as opal was first found in the area in February 1, 1915. Originally, the town was called Stuart Range Opal field, after John McDouall Stuart, who first explored the area in 1858.

6. Forum des Halles, Paris (France)

Forum des Halles was formerly Les Halles, a fresh food market, which was demolished and converted into a giant underground shopping mall . It now features giant retailers of women’s fashion and menswear.

7. Underground City, Beijing (China)

Tunnels seem to be endless in this eerie underground universe. Beijing’s Underground City is said to be built as a military defense in the Cold War era, and the tunnels are said to cover 85 square kilometers.

8. Shanghai Tunnels, Oregon (USA)

Portland’s Shanghai Tunnels are located just beneath Chinatown. Historically, these tunnels served as a passageway for transported goods, and according to legends, people. Because of these massive tunnels, Portland became known as a spot where men were kidnapped for forced labor.

The tunnels are also believed to have been a haven of illegal activities like prostitution. Today, it is a favorite tourist destination to get a glimpse of the city’s past.

9. Caves of Hercules, Toledo (Spain)

The Caves of Hercules are full of history. This modern underground network of labyrinths and galleries were once a place for treasures, black magic and legends. Legend has it that the caves served as a place where Hercules hid the misfortunes that terrorized Spain.

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