Buzz
We’ve all heard of people living in forgotten mines, hidden caves, or tunnels beneath bustling cities. Perhaps you’ve come across the book The Time Machine and remembered the Morlocks, who dwelled below ground. What many don’t realize is that underground cities have not only existed, but in many cases, they’ve thrived.
10. Beijing’s Secret Underground
Starting in 1969 and continuing through the following decade, Mao Zedong mandated the creation of an underground shelter for the socialist government. Situated beneath Beijing, this massive complex stretched for 30 kilometers. It was built during the Sino-Soviet border conflict, with military defense as its primary purpose.
The underground city boasted a variety of amenities, including stores, restaurants, schools, theaters, barbershops, and even a roller skating rink. It also contained more than 1,000 air raid shelters and was designed to accommodate up to forty percent of Beijing’s population in the event of an attack.
Legend has it that every home had a hidden trapdoor, offering citizens a quick escape to the vast underground complex. In 2000, the enormous city was officially opened to the public as a tourist attraction, with some of the shelters now functioning as youth hostels.
9. Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain
Unlike many cities on this list, Setenil de las Bodegas is still a thriving town with a population of over 3,000 people. The homes are built right into the stone walls—partly underground—nestled in the mountains of this picturesque Spanish village.
The majority of the town is exposed, yet its remarkable carved structures make it an extraordinary place to visit. Setenil has a history as a Moorish stronghold and was also used as a strategic site during the Roman Empire.
8. Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Moose Jaw, located in Saskatchewan, Canada, is known for its incredibly long winters. In the early 20th century, the frigid temperatures led to the construction of a network of tunnels beneath the city, providing warm passageways for workers. Given the era, it’s no surprise that this underground system was soon used for illicit activities.
During the Prohibition era, the Moose Jaw tunnels became a hub for mobsters and bootleggers. With illegal alcohol came gambling and prostitution, and before long, the underground city began to resemble a mini Las Vegas. It’s believed that Al Capone played a major role in these illegal operations, earning the tunnels the nickname ‘The Chicago Connection.’
7. City of the Gods, Giza Plateau
The Great Pyramid of Giza remains the sole surviving wonder of the ancient world. Along with its architectural brilliance, some theorize that beneath the Giza Plateau lies an extraordinary network of underground tunnels and chambers.
In 1978, researchers began mapping out what they called a potential underground ‘metropolis.’ Dubbed the City of the Gods, it continues to be a subject of intrigue. Given that this immense underground city rests beneath one of the most significant historical sites on Earth, it’s unlikely that its secrets will be uncovered any time soon. Critics, however, argue that the City of the Gods is a pseudoscientific concept created to support the idea of extraterrestrial gods.
6. Portland, Oregon
Beneath one of the largest cities in the Pacific Northwest, Portland, Oregon, lies the infamous Shanghai Tunnels. These tunnels, located beneath Chinatown, were once used to move goods and, according to legend, people. This vast underground system earned Portland the notorious reputation of being the worst city on the West Coast for Shanghaiing—where men were kidnapped and forced into labor on ships.
The Shanghai Tunnels, also referred to as the Forbidden City, are believed to have been involved in other illegal activities, including prostitution. Today, you can explore the tunnels, but with far less danger of being shanghaied than in the past.
5. Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland
The Wieliczka Salt Mine, located in southern Poland, dates back to the thirteenth century. The mine operated until 2007, making it one of the longest-running salt mines in the world. Aside from producing salt, the mine housed an impressive underground complex, complete with statues, chapels, and even a cathedral.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is vast, spanning 186 miles (300 km). During World War II, the German forces repurposed it for the production of munitions. In addition to its extensive tunnels, the mine also houses an underground lake and attracts over a million tourists each year.
4. Coober Pedy, Australia
Like Setenil de las Bodegas, Coober Pedy is a thriving town with over 1,600 residents. Known as the opal capital of the world, it is renowned for producing more opal than anywhere else. The town is made up of unique 'dugouts'—underground homes built to escape the scorching surface heat and protect children from dingoes and Australians.
Since the discovery of opal in Coober Pedy in 1915, the area has been continuously mined for the precious stone. If you own something containing opal, there's a good chance it was sourced from these mines. In addition to dugout homes and mining shafts, the town features underground shops, pubs, a church, and even a cemetery.
3. Burlington—Secret English City
Though Cheyenne Mountain is well known as a prominent underground U.S. government facility, fewer are aware of a similar site beneath the English countryside. Known as Burlington, this facility was constructed in the 1950s as a safe haven for the British government in the event of a nuclear war.
Built inside an old stone quarry and covering 240 acres (1 square kilometer), Burlington was designed to house up to 4,000 government officials, though there was no room for their families. The complex featured 60 miles (95 km) of roads, a railway station, hospitals, an underground lake, water treatment facilities, and even a pub. It also included a BBC studio where the Prime Minister could broadcast to any surviving citizens from deep within the earth. The facility remained operational until the end of the Cold War in 1991.
2. Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia, in central Turkey, is famous for its vast network of underground cities, with the most well-known being the city of Derinkuyu. This immense subterranean complex spans seven levels and is believed to have sheltered thousands of people. Derinkuyu was more than just a cluster of caves; it included shops, churches, wine production areas, and even schools. These underground cities are thought to have been safe havens for Christians escaping Roman persecution, as the alternative was often facing the lions in the colosseum.
1. Kish, Iran
Hidden beneath the island of Kish in Iran lies an enigmatic city, so mysterious that it lacks an official name. Often called Kariz, it is more commonly referred to by tourists simply as the Kish underground city. Dating back over 2,500 years, this ancient structure was originally designed as a sophisticated water management system.
Like many ancient wonders, the Kish underground city has undergone extensive renovations, with plans to transform it into a contemporary tourist attraction. The revamped Kariz will feature restaurants, shops, and other amenities within its sprawling 107,640 sq ft (10,000 sq m) area.
