Exploring secret tunnels

Some of the world’s most famous cities have a whole host of secret tunnels and infrastructure underground, telling stories of times gone by. And best of all, some are open to explore today.

The Catacombs, Paris

Deep beneath the streets of Paris lies an intricate network of secret tunnels, the Catacombs, telling macabre stories from France’s past. Created in the late 18th century as a solution to overflowing graveyards, old limestone quarries were tunnelled out to make room for approximately six million bodies, which were often thrown down quarry shafts and left where they fell. The Catacombs stretch out for an unbelievable 300km, and unsurprisingly, there are plenty of tales of ghostly sightings and disembodied voices. 

Can I get in?

If you’re game, a small part of the Catacombs – 1.7km – is open for a guided tour. That’s probably enough.

Secret story

Back in 1793, a chap called Philibert Aspairt, who was a doorkeeper at the Val-de-Grâce hospital, took the decision to duck into the Catacombs in search of some booze. Now, you don’t need to be a genius to think ‘probably not the best call you’ve ever made, Philibert’. He was found 11 years later, only a couple of metres from an exit, identifiable only by his hospital key ring. Hope he found some wine…

Secret tunnels and abandoned stations, London

During the Second World War, a whole host of tunnels were created under the streets of London to create deep-level air-raid shelters, and still exist today. During the war they were also the HQ for the Special Operations Executive – the secret espionage organisation established by Winston Churchill – and the tunnels were later used as headquarters for covert ops, too. London also has several abandoned Tube stations, including Aldwych Station, which is frequently used for filming TV shows and movies, while the tunnels of the old British Museum Station – which was closed in 1933 – remain. That’s important info, for what’s going to follow…

Can I get in?

Yep – the Hidden London program, which is organised by the London Transport Museum, runs regular tours of old stations, including Aldwych, old parts of Baker Street Station that have been closed to the public for more than 75 years, as well as Clapham South – where you can explore one of Churchill’s deep-level shelters.

Secret story

The former British Museum Station tunnels are allegedly haunted by the ghost of a Pharaoh’s daughter, Princess Amun-Ra – linked to the museum’s collection of artifacts, which is rumoured to have once included a cursed mummy. A figure draped in robes and emitting chilling screams has been spotted, more than once.

An underground city, Derinkuyu, Turkey

We’re going waaaaaaaaaay back in time for this one – back to the 8th-7th Centuries BC – to the ancient, multilevel underground city that today sits under Derinkuyu.

The secret city extends at least 85m or so below ground level and comprises 18 levels. It was built by the Phrygians, and could accommodate up to 20,000 as a safe haven to protect the city’s inhabitants, food and livestock against invaders, or from religious persecution. The city had kitchens, stables, and even a school, and was protected by some elaborate security measures, such as huge stone doors to seal access. 

Can I get in?

Sure can. About half of the city is now accessible, and is the modern-day Derinkuyu’s major tourist attraction.

Secret story

This incredible ancient city was discovered by accident, after a resident of Derinkuyu discovered a hidden room behind a wall in his house while doing some renos. It revealed access to this vast ancient city, which for centuries had existed, unbeknown to the city’s population.