We humans have long been tunneling for many reasons. Ever since we realized the importance of hiding supplies and/or ourselves, we have been delving into hillsides and disguising entrances. At some point, it became cool to neatly organize the bones of our dead according to type. Skulls, femurs, and the rest were all used to create impressive corporeal displays that celebrated and/or commemorated the dead. The bone art found in catacombs is a rare form of expression only experienced through descending into dark and dank passageways. This list is dedicated to some of the most notable human-made tunnel systems in the world.
10. Znojmo Catacombs, Czech Republic
Worldwide, many places have been distinguished as catacombs even though they lack the first and foremost qualification: dead, interred bodies. The Znojmo Catacombs in the Czech Republic represents these posers, but these underground passages share an interesting history nonetheless. They were mostly built during the late middle ages (14th and 15thcenturies). The primary purpose of these underground mazes was to provide a safe haven from invaders. At times, these subterranean safe havens were self-sustainable for months on end. Fresh water wells and ample storage meant the city’s residents could outlast even the longest calamities.
9. Catacombs of London
Most of London’s catacombs can be traced to the Victorian era, back when Jack the Ripper first haunted nightmares and fictional, sleuthing characters such as Sherlock Holmes began solving crimes. Gas lamps were as common as railways, and the Industrial Revolution was in full swing. The premiere catacomb locations are the West Norwood and Kensal Green cemeteries. These grounds are famous for their Gothic and Victorian architecture and historical significance. Although devoid of interred corpses, another area of interest for spelunkers is the Camden catacombs that run underneath the Camden Market.
8. l’Ossuaire Municipal, Paris
Paris always has an answer for anything London does, and when it comes to catacombs they have over compensated once again. During the same period as London’s catacombs were built so too were holes being dug under Paris for disposing of the dead. Catacombs proved a cheap way for the lower class to lay their dead to rest. The bones of over six million decorate the walls of the main ossuary. The place is usually open for tourism when it isn’t being vandalized (the ossuary was closed in 2009 for such a reason). Have a look inside. Like London, there are many tunnels of different origins (with or without human remains) that fully constitute the “Catacombs of Paris”. One could spend days fully exploring the world below this modern metropolis.
7. Monastery of San Francisco, Lima
Construction of the Church and Monastery of San Francisco was completed in 1774. Over one hundred years in the making, the structures withstood many earthquakes only to be damaged by a quake in 1970. The complex baroque architectural style of the grounds dates to 1600, and emanates a special grandeur that has helped earn the monastery a place as a world renowned site of historical importance. The grounds house catacombs that acted as Lima’s first cemetery. The tunnels below were used for burials until 1803, and have been frequented since by pilgrims and tourists amazed by the skeletal patterns along the walls. Intermingling are the bones of an estimated 70,000 burials that are thought to have happened here. The catacombs were lost for a period of time only to be excavated in 1943.
6. Rabat Catacombs, Malta
Off the southern tip of Italy, in the middle of the mythical Mediterranean Sea, lies the island archipelago that makes up the nation of Malta. On this Island, the village Rabat is home to a sprawling labyrinth of tunnels and tombs. A small settlement of around 7,000 people, Rabat shares a patch of land that used to be a full-on Roman city. Much of the Roman influence that has been preserved can be found underground. St. Paul’s and St. Agatha’s catacombs offer two nearby stops for tomb tourists. The type of burials found in St. Paul’s catacombs indicate the complexes date at least as far back to the 4th century. Only a small fraction of the catacombs are open to the public, but this doesn’t mean you can’t get an early Roman Christian experience while enjoying the twists and turns of the bleak corridors.
5. Huda Jama, Slovenia
The 20th century had an outbreak of mass killings throughout Eastern Europe. Whether by the Nazis, the Communists, or any number of political factions that resulted from the crumbling of the iron curtain, mass graves litter the countryside. Many have yet to be identified, but some have been including the one in Huda Jama, Slovenia. This small town was embroiled in intrigue during the Second World War. Mines still exist where the Yugoslav Partisans (a communist anti-German fighting force) would take cover from attacks. After the war ended, the resulting reversal of power led to mass killings in the mine called the Barbara Pit. Over 700 bodies have been removed from the sight since it was thoroughly explored starting in 2009. It is thought that the Axis powers that be found themselves suddenly playing the role of the victims, and were subsequently stripped and gassed. Needless to say, this site isn’t very tourist friendly at this point.
4. Sacromonte Abbey, Spain
The Abbey of Sacromonte, built circa 1600, is a hillside monument surrounded by a small town. Although aged in their own right, the structures of the abbey were built atop Roman-era Catacombs. The history of these catacombs is blurred, but legend has it that it was within these very hallways that Saint Caecilius was burned alive during the age of the lunatic Roman Emperor Nero. The abbey protects what they believe are the remains of Caecilius and other saints. A festival is held annually at the abbey honoring Saint Caecilius for his martyrdom.
3. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Austria
Austria is a great place to visit for good beer and other characteristics of Germanic culture. Like many places, Austria also has its fair share of Roman relics. One of the more well known of these is St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a monumental construction from the middle of the 14th century. The cathedral was commissioned by Rudolf IV and erected on the same spot previously inhabited by two lesser chapels. Bodies of famous and common people alike inhabit the inside and outside of the cathedral, including the massive catacombs below. One notable corpse is that of Prince Eugene of Savoy, considered by Napoleon himself to be one of the sharpest military minds in history. Also present is Frederick the Peaceful who reigned over Germany and the surrounding areas, eventually being crowned the Holy Roman Emperor in 1492. Those entombed in the cathedral went unmolested even though the roof to the cathedral was severely damaged during World War II. The Cathedral has since been restored and stands as a prime sight to be seen when visiting Vienna.
2. Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Egypt
Perhaps it is a mistake not to place Egypt as being the premier place in the world to gawk at entombed corpses. Feel free to read both descriptions and let us know what you think. This is the one location on the list that is considered a necropolis, or a compound of ancient burial grounds often littered with tombs and passages. Furthermore, a necropolis is largely untouched or unused by the modern world. The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are often considered conjointly as a wonder of the ancient world. To travel across these grounds is to experience an evolution of culture from ancient Greek times, to the Hellenistic era heralded by Alexander the Great, and ultimately through Roman imperialism. Among the stories haunting this area is that of the Halls of Caracalla. It is said that the mix of horse and human bones found in this chamber were those of Christians that were massacred by the Roman Emperor Caracalla sometime around 200 AD.
1. Catacombs of Rome, Italy
There is a vast variety of hidden niches in Italy for both professional and novice tomb explorers. Naples and Rome headline these possibilities. Rome, in particular, is home to vast networks of underground tunnels and catacombs, many of which line the famous Appian Way. From Jewish catacombs to early Christian martyrs, many catacombs are present from before and after Jesus walked the planet. The Roman catacombs exist as one of the best testaments to this time period. Such is the worth of the Catacombs of Commodilla that claims one of the oldest depictions of Christ wearing a beard. It is thought that many of the catacombs lining Rome are the result of secret Christian burials during times of persecution. Due to the discretionary nature of these burials, many of these passages have gone unnoted until recently and many more may yet be undiscovered.
