The Most Astonishing Underground Cities of the World: From Turkey to Australia

Underground cities are a remarkable testament to human ingenuity and survival. Throughout history, people have built subterranean settlements for various reasons, including protection from invaders, extreme climates, and resource preservation. These cities, hidden beneath the earth, range from ancient labyrinths in Turkey to modern-day underground communities in Australia.

Each of these underground cities tells a unique story. Some were meticulously planned for long-term habitation, complete with ventilation systems, wells, and storage rooms, while others were temporary refuges during times of conflict. Today, many of these sites are open to visitors, allowing people to step back in time and explore an extraordinary aspect of human history.

This article delves into some of the most astonishing underground cities worldwide, highlighting their historical significance, architectural brilliance, and accessibility to modern travellers.

Derinkuyu: Turkey’s Hidden Underground Marvel

Located in the heart of Cappadocia, Derinkuyu is one of the most fascinating underground cities in the world. Carved into volcanic rock, it extends over 60 metres below ground and could accommodate up to 20,000 people, along with their livestock and supplies. This multi-level city, complete with stables, chapels, schools, and even a wine cellar, showcases the advanced engineering skills of ancient civilisations.

Experts believe that Derinkuyu was originally built by the Phrygians in the 8th century BCE and later expanded during Byzantine times as a refuge for Christians fleeing persecution. The city’s intricate defence mechanisms, including massive rolling stone doors and hidden ventilation shafts, made it nearly impenetrable to enemies.

Today, Derinkuyu is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors eager to explore its dimly lit tunnels and discover the remarkable craftsmanship of this ancient underground settlement. Guided tours provide insight into how its inhabitants survived underground for extended periods.

The Role of Underground Cities in Survival

Underground cities like Derinkuyu were essential for survival in times of war and religious persecution. These subterranean structures provided safe havens where entire communities could live undetected for months or even years. The clever construction included defensive features such as secret passageways and air filtration systems to prevent poisoning by enemies.

In addition to being fortresses, these cities were self-sufficient, with access to underground water sources and large storage spaces for food. The ability to sustain life below ground for extended periods demonstrates the resourcefulness of their builders.

Such underground communities were not unique to Turkey. Across the world, similar settlements were used for various purposes, from wartime hideouts to strategic military command centres.

Naours: France’s Forgotten Underground Refuge

Naours, an extensive underground city in northern France, has served multiple purposes throughout history. Initially built in the 3rd century CE, it was expanded during the Middle Ages as a refuge from invasions. During the Hundred Years’ War and later conflicts, thousands of people found shelter within its vast network of tunnels.

Unlike some underground cities that were used as permanent dwellings, Naours functioned as a temporary refuge during times of crisis. The complex includes over 300 rooms, including stables, chapels, and communal areas, making it one of the most elaborate underground settlements in Europe.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Naours is its use during World War I. Allied soldiers stationed nearby left thousands of inscriptions on the walls, marking their presence in this historic underground city. These engravings provide valuable historical insights and attract researchers and tourists alike.

The Underground Cities of Cappadocia

While Derinkuyu is the most famous, Cappadocia is home to over 200 underground cities, many of which remain partially unexplored. These cities were interconnected by tunnels, allowing residents to move safely between settlements when under threat.

Another well-known underground city in the region is Kaymaklı. Unlike Derinkuyu, Kaymaklı is more horizontally structured, with its rooms carved into volcanic rock over several levels. It features a complex network of storage rooms, ventilation shafts, and living quarters.

Modern-day visitors to Cappadocia can explore these underground cities as part of guided tours, often combined with hot-air balloon rides, offering breathtaking views of the region’s unique rock formations and fairy chimneys.

Coober Pedy: Australia’s Underground Opal Capital

Unlike the ancient underground cities of Turkey and France, Coober Pedy in Australia was developed in the 20th century. Situated in the harsh Outback, where summer temperatures can exceed 45°C, residents found an ingenious solution: building homes underground.

Coober Pedy was founded in 1915 as an opal mining town, and miners soon realised that living underground was far more comfortable than enduring the extreme surface heat. Today, nearly half of the town’s population resides in “dugouts”—underground homes equipped with modern amenities such as electricity, plumbing, and air conditioning.

Visitors to Coober Pedy can experience life underground by staying in subterranean hotels, visiting underground churches, and even exploring opal mines where some of the world’s finest gemstones are still extracted.

Tourism and Accessibility of Underground Cities

Many of these underground cities have been preserved and adapted for modern tourism, offering guided tours and interactive exhibits. While some, like Derinkuyu and Coober Pedy, are widely accessible, others require special permits or guided exploration due to their historical and structural fragility.

Governments and heritage organisations have implemented conservation efforts to maintain these unique sites. Preservation initiatives focus on reinforcing structures, managing visitor numbers, and ensuring the safe exploration of these historic locations.

For travellers interested in history, architecture, and human resilience, exploring underground cities offers an unforgettable experience. These subterranean worlds stand as a testament to human innovation, showcasing how people have adapted to their environments across different continents and eras.