Hidden Metropolises Beneath the Earth: Ranking the Top 10 Underground Cities in 2025
World's Largest Underground Cities: An Exploration of Hidden Worlds
As we delve deeper into the Earth's surface, a fascinating network of subterranean towns comes to light, each with its unique history and purpose. From ancient refuges carved into rock to modern subterranean complexes, these hidden cities offer a glimpse into human ingenuity and the inherent desire for shelter and companionship. Here, we present the top 10 largest underground cities globally in 2025, shedding light on their scale and significance.
Top 10 Largest Underground Cities in the World 2025
- Pilsen, Czech Republic: A vibrant city rich in history, Pilsen – often known as Plzeň – is the origin of the iconic Pilsner beer and boasts a thriving arts scene in addition to its storied brewing traditions.
- RESO, Montreal, Quebec, Canada: While Montreal showcases a traditional European allure and lively cultural scene above ground, beneath its bustling streets lies RESO, an extensive subterranean network often referred to as the Underground City. A popular way for locals to navigate the city, especially during the harsh winters, this sprawling complex offers a unique glimpse into urban life.
- Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain: Known for its unique architecture, Setenil de las Bodegas is a charming Spanish village where buildings and streets are built under and into massive rock formations, offering a breathtaking display of human-nature harmony.
- Underground Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, United States: A fascinating link to the city's past, Underground Atlanta offers a twist on today's shopping and entertainment complexes. Beneath the modern hustle and bustle lies a historical district filled with old stores and cobblestone streets that whisper tales of a bygone era.
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- Burlington, England: While the sea has played a significant role in Bridlington's history, this coastal town is also known for its splendid medieval Bridlington Priory, which once held great significance as one of the region's most important religious houses.
- Derinkuyu, Cappadocia: Located deep within Turkey, Derinkuyu is a testament to ancient civilizations' ingenuity and resilience. This extensive underground city, home to thousands of people and their animals, offers an intriguing peek into the past, scattered with schools, churches, and wine cellars.
- Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, near Krakow, offers a stunning display of intricate chambers and salt sculptures, bearing witness to human labor and artistry throughout its history.
- Dixia Cheng, Beijing, China: This sprawling subterranean network, or "Underground Great Wall," lies beneath the busy streets of Beijing. Built during the Cold War era, Dixia Cheng served as a symbol of China's caution and preparations, now repurposed as a popular tourist destination.
- Moose Jaw Underground Tunnels, Saskatchewan, Canada: Beneath this seemingly serene city, a network of underground tunnels offers a glimpse into the town's intriguing history and local legends, making it a fascinating tourist attraction.
- Shanghai Tunnels, Portland, Oregon: The Old Portland Underground, or Shanghai Tunnels, is a labyrinth of passageways that winds beneath the city's charming streets. Echoing stories of the city's vibrant waterfront past, this network of interconnected basements and tunnels is a fascinating insight into Portland's bygone era.
Further Reading:
- Largest Underground Cities in the World: Derinkuyu, Kaymaklı, Mazi Village, and Ozkonak underground cities in Turkey are additional notable examples of extensive subterranean cities.
- Historical Underground Sites: Edinburgh Vaults in Scotland and Paris Catacombs in France are historical underground sites rich in intrigue.
- Other Underground Cities in North America: Beijing Underground City and Seattle Underground in the United States, as well as Montreal Underground City in Canada, are examples of underground networks in North America.
[1] Underground Cities – History and Importance, www.tourcraze.com/underground-cities
In the quest for a balanced life, one might find inspiration in Pilsen, Czech Republic, where a vibrant lifestyle blends with the city's rich history, arts scene, and brewing traditions. On the other hand, those with a keen interest in home-and-garden might appreciate the architectural marvel of Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain, where buildings and streets are ingeniously built under and into massive rock formations.
