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Underground cities are an aspect that was undetermined until recent times. Uncovering a multitude of secrets, some of these societies were lost long ago while others are as recent as World War II. Here are some examples...

CITY AND ARCHITECTURE 10 Examples of Secret Underground Cities In The World 7 MINS READ SHARE From prehistoric times to the early nineteenth century, civilizations, ancient or modern, all have sought defensive measures at one time or the other. To attack and seek protection have always been the two major attributes of human societies. This has affected architecture significantly since the beginning. The construction of defensive city walls to secret tunnels and passages has defined ancient and medieval architecture. However, underground cities are an aspect that was undetermined until recent times. Uncovering a multitude of secrets, some of these societies were lost long ago, while others are as recent as World War II. In this post, we explore 10 of the most renowned underground cities in the world. The underground world of Cappadocia, Turkey_ ©https://www.theguardian.com/cities/gallery/2014/may/30/underground-cities-in-pictures All conforming to defensive schemes, here are ten unforeseen cities built beneath the earth: 1. Derinkuyu, Cappadocia, Turkey | Underground cities Derinkuyu- the underground realms of Cappadocia, Turkey_ ©https://www.kuantumtourism.com/cappadocia-underground-cities/ The lunar-like region of Turkey’s Cappadocia encompasses no less than 36 underground cities, but Derinkuyu is the deepest and most impressive of all of them. The vast network of tunnels and passages belongs to the 8th century B.C. and is assumed to be a shelter to protect in times of war. Due to this, the once-secret underground city is a self-sufficient metropolis inhabiting ventilation shafts, wells, kitchens, schoolrooms, oil presses, a bathhouse, a winery and living space for some 20,000 people in 18 storeys. The distinctive feature of Derinkuyu is the cruciform church. However, the massive city remained obscure from the world until 1963. 2. Naours, France Naours, France_ ©https://au.france.fr/en/haut-de-france/article/the-underground-city-of-naours Located in the north of France, the underground city of Naours is another complex labyrinth of not less than 300 man-made rooms. Initially used as a quarry, it soon got transformed into a secret village underneath due to the apparent reasons of defense and refuge. Dating back to the third century A.D., it had chapels, wells, and stables, along with enough room for around 3000 people. 3. Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland Underground Salt Mines of Wieliczka, Poland_ ©https://krakow.wiki/wieliczka-salt-mine/ Located near Krakow, the Salt mine was built in the 1200s to find the rock salt. The mine was steadily expanded over the years by the miners into 185 miles of impressive galleries, and about 3000 chambers all encompassed in nine floors. In their off-duty hours, the miners used the salt crystal deposits to build the stunning chapels, chandeliers, reliefs, and also a detailed replica of Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”. After being continuously used for around 700 years, the mine stopped producing rock salt in 2007 and now serves as a popular tourist attraction. It is also called the “Underground Salt Cathedral”. 4. Petra, Jordan The ancient marvel of Jordan, Petra_ ©https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/my-modern-met-1170172/explore-fascinating-history-petra-a-once-7625702159 Hidden amidst the red sandstone mountains in the southwestern region of Jordan, the underground city of Petra is an ancient architectural marvel that was unbelievably lost until the 1800s. Settled in the 4th century B.C. by the Nabataean tribe, it was home to around 30,000 people. Characterized by the exquisite carved-out desert cliffs, it was symbolic of the Nabataean power and wealth. However, once a burgeoned trade center, the kingdom declined around the 7th century A.D. The kingdom was annexed into Rome some centuries before its collapse and thus a clear influence of Roman architecture can be seen throughout Petra. 5. Dixia Cheng, Beijing, China | Underground cities China’s Underground City under Beijing, ©https://plugon.us/Travelguru/dixia-cheng-223f8 Spread across 85 square kilometers beneath the capital city of Beijing; it was built in the 1960s as a hideout to protect people from nuclear war. Although it was never put to use, it is said to accommodate one million people for around four months. The secret underground city independently houses schools, hospitals, granaries, restaurants, entertainment venues and even an ice skating rink all connected via a complex network of tunnels and passageways. The massive subterranean space still exists today and was recently opened as a tourist attraction. 6. Edinburgh Vaults, Edinburgh, Scotland Edinburgh Vaults ©https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/lifestyle/travel/530999/travel-terrify-yourself-in-spooky-scotland/ Built within the 19 arches of South Bridge in Edinburgh, Scotland in the late 18th century, Edinburgh Vaults are a series of chambers formed due to downward expansion. These man-made “underground” vaults were initially blooming with traders such as cobblers, tave...

10 examples of secret underground cities in the world - RTF | Rethinking The Future