Discovering the World’s Hidden Underground Cities

Underground cities have been around for thousands of years, providing shelter and protection to people during times of war, natural disasters, and even as a way to escape the extreme heat or cold. Today, many underground cities still exist around the world, waiting to be explored by urban adventurers.

One such city is Derinkuyu in Turkey. Believed to be built in the 8th century BC, this sprawling underground complex features over 600 rooms that could house up to 20,000 people at a time. The city was designed with ventilation shafts and water wells so that residents could live comfortably for extended periods of time without needing to resurface.

Another famous underground city is located in China’s Shaanxi Province – it’s called the Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum Site Museum. This vast complex was created during the Qin dynasty and includes an elaborate mausoleum containing over 8,000 terracotta soldiers guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor.

Moving on from Asia we have Montreal’s Underground City (RÉSO) which is a unique network of interconnected tunnels beneath downtown Montreal offering access to shopping centers, hotels office towers but also museums and art galleries all while avoiding harsh Canadian winters.

Finally heading back eastward towards Australia we find Coober Pedy – situated deep into South Australia’s desert where temperatures can reach up to 125°F /51°C making living above ground almost impossible; locals have opted for something different – they’ve dug their homes out underground! Not only do these homes provide cool temperatures but they also offer protection from dust storms common in this area.

Exploring underground cities can be an incredible adventure if you are interested in history or urban exploration. However always ensure your safety before attempting any visits as some sites may not be completely safe or accessible due to age or deterioration.