6 Remarkable Subterranean Structures From Around the World 🌏
A glimpse into the ingenuity of humans throughout history
For centuries, we have been impressed by engineering feats such as skyscrapers and bridges. However, we tend to overlook the fact that there are equally or even more impressive structures located beneath the surface of the earth. We have examined some of the most breathtaking subterranean structures from around the world and have selected the top 6 most remarkable ones.
1. Cave of Crystals, Mexico
The Cave of Crystals is an underground cave located in Naica, Mexico, known for its stunning, giant crystals. The cave was discovered by miners in 2000, who were drilling for lead and silver deposits in the region. The miners were amazed to discover a large chamber filled with enormous, translucent gypsum crystals, some of which were up to 36 feet long and weighed up to 55 tons.
The construction of the Cave of Crystals was a natural process that occurred over millions of years. The cave is located over a massive underground reservoir of mineral-rich water, which slowly seeped through the surrounding rock, dissolving and depositing minerals as it went. The extreme heat and pressure of the region caused the minerals to crystallize into the massive gypsum crystals that fill the cave today.
Because of the extreme heat and humidity in the cave, as well as the fragility of the crystals, the Cave of Crystals is not accessible to the general public. Scientists and researchers, however, have been granted limited access to study the cave and its unique geological features. The cave’s delicate ecosystem, which includes rare bacterial and fungal species that feed on the gypsum, requires special precautions to ensure that the cave is not damaged or contaminated.
Despite the limited access to the cave, the discovery of the Cave of Crystals has provided scientists with a wealth of information about the geological processes that shape our planet. The massive crystals are not only beautiful but also provide important clues about the formation of minerals and the history of the Earth itself.
2. Derinkuyu Underground City, Turkey
Derinkuyu Underground City is an ancient subterranean city located in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. It is believed to have been built in the 8th or 7th century BCE by the Phrygians and was later expanded by the Byzantines and the early Christians in the 5th and 6th centuries CE.
The underground city is carved into the soft volcanic rock of the region and consists of multiple levels, with the deepest levels reaching a depth of over 85 meters. It is estimated that the city could accommodate up to 20,000 people, along with their livestock and food supplies. The city includes living quarters, kitchens, stables, storage rooms, chapels, and even wineries.
The underground city was used as a refuge by the local people during times of war and persecution. It is said that the city could be completely sealed off from the outside world, with only a few ventilation shafts providing air and light.
Derinkuyu is one of the largest underground cities in the region and is open to the public for guided tours. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the most remarkable examples of underground architecture in the world.
3. Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam
The Cu Chi Tunnels are an extensive network of underground tunnels located in the Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) in Vietnam. The tunnels were initially built during the 1940s by the Viet Minh guerrillas to hide from French colonial forces and later expanded by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. The tunnels were a key factor in the Viet Cong’s victory against the US army.
The tunnels span over 250 kilometers in total length and consist of several levels with trapdoors, living areas, kitchens, storage facilities, weapon factories, hospitals, and command centers. They were designed to accommodate thousands of people at once and played a crucial role in the Vietnamese military strategy during the war.
The tunnels were also used to launch surprise attacks on US and South Vietnamese troops and were instrumental in the Tet Offensive of 1968. The tunnels were bombed and heavily damaged by the US forces during the war, but were subsequently restored and opened to the public as a tourist attraction.
Today, visitors can explore a small section of the tunnels, which have been widened and made more accessible for tourists. The tour includes a guided walk through the tunnels, a visit to the underground command center, and demonstrations of some of the traps and weapons used by the Viet Cong during the war. The Cu Chi Tunnels have become a popular destination for visitors to Vietnam, and are considered an important historical site that offers a glimpse into the country’s tumultuous past.
4. Catacombs of Paris, France
The Catacombs of Paris are an underground ossuary located beneath the city of Paris. The catacombs contain the remains of approximately six million people, which were transferred to underground chambers in the 18th and 19th centuries. The catacombs were originally quarries that provided limestone for the construction of buildings in Paris. They consist of a network of underground tunnels and galleries that extend for more than 300 kilometers beneath the streets of Paris.
The catacombs were originally created in the late 18th century as a solution to the overcrowding of Parisian cemeteries. The bones of over six million people were transferred from various cemeteries and deposited in underground tunnels, which were then converted into an underground cemeteries.
The catacombs contain bones from several different sources, including the remains of victims of the French Revolution, as well as the bones of soldiers from World War I. The bones are arranged in decorative patterns and sculptures, and the walls are lined with inscriptions and other forms of decorative art.
The catacombs have become a popular tourist attraction in Paris, and visitors can take guided tours through a small section of the tunnels. The tour includes a walk through the underground passages and galleries and provides a glimpse into the history of the catacombs and the people whose remains are entombed there.
It’s important to note that while the catacombs are a fascinating historical site, they can also be quite claustrophobic and eerie, and may not be suitable for everyone. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes and to be prepared for a somewhat spooky experience.
5. Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a historic salt mine located in the town of Wieliczka, Poland. It was founded in the 13th century and has been in operation for over 700 years. The mine is renowned for its underground tunnels and chambers, which have been excavated and expanded over the centuries to create a vast underground complex.
The construction of the Wieliczka Salt Mine began in the 13th century when Polish king Bolesław V the Chaste granted salt mining rights to local nobles. The earliest mines were simple pits and shafts dug by hand, but as the demand for salt grew, more advanced mining techniques were developed.
One of the most important developments in the history of the mine was the introduction of a system of horizontal galleries and chambers, which allowed for more efficient mining and better ventilation. The construction of these chambers and galleries involved the use of hand tools and gunpowder to excavate the rock, as well as the use of timber supports to shore up the tunnels.
Over the centuries, the mine continued to grow and expand, with new tunnels, galleries, and chambers being added to accommodate the growing demand for salt. One of the most impressive features of the mine is the extensive network of underground chapels, which were carved out of the salt rock by the miners themselves. These chapels, which are adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings, were used for religious services by the miners and their families.
Today, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination. Visitors can take guided tours of the mine and explore its many tunnels and chambers, as well as admire the stunning works of art created by the miners over the centuries.
6. Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a series of underground limestone caverns located in Waitomo, New Zealand, that are famous for their unique glowworm population. The caves were formed over millions of years by the erosion of limestone and were first discovered by local Maori tribespeople over a century ago.
The construction of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves began in the early 20th century when local farmer Tane Tinorau and English surveyor Fred Mace explored the underground chambers and realized their potential as a tourist attraction. The two men spent years exploring the caves and developing a system of paths and walkways that would allow visitors to explore the caverns while minimizing damage to the fragile ecosystem.
The construction of the paths and walkways involved a combination of hand excavation and blasting with explosives, as well as the installation of wooden supports to shore up the caves. In order to preserve the natural beauty of the caves, the developers took great care to minimize their impact on the environment, and in some cases even worked to enhance the caves’ natural features.
One of the most unique features of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves is the population of Arachnocampa luminosa, a species of bioluminescent glowworm found only in New Zealand. The glowworms create a stunning display of light in the caves, with thousands of tiny blue lights twinkling overhead. The glowworms are sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity, and light, so the developers of the caves had to take great care to ensure that the environment remained stable and suitable for the glowworms to thrive.
Today, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at the stunning underground world of the glowworms. The developers’ careful construction and preservation of the caves have ensured that this unique natural wonder will be enjoyed by generations to come.
These subterranean structures are not only impressive in their construction, but they also offer a unique glimpse into different aspects of human history and nature. Whether it’s the ingenuity of the Cu Chi Tunnels, the religious significance of the Derinkuyu Underground City, or the natural wonder of the Cave of Crystals, these structures are truly remarkable.
References
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0268/2549/0485/files/Plan_cata_paris_1857_jms.jpg?v=1615988377
https://vinpearl.com/en/cu-chi-tunnels-discover-the-largest-underground-tunnels-in-vietnam
