In addition to the clearly visible wonders that surround us, there are other treasures that we do not all know because they are hidden right there, under our feet.
Architectural works, sculptures, monuments, and then again archaeological and natural parks: are the wonders of the world that mobilize the masses, which allow us to choose the next destinations to reach. World heritage sites that shine under the sun’s rays and that we can’t wait to discover.
But the world we inhabit never ceases to amaze us. Thus, in addition to the clearly visible wonders that surround us, there are other treasures that we do not know because they are hidden right under our feet. Cities, cathedrals, and masterpieces of immeasurable beauty that bear the signature of man or Mother Nature and are located right there, along paths that seem to lead us into the bowels of the earth.
Let’s find out together.
Romania: the underground amusement park
The first stage of our journey to discover the treasures hidden under our feet takes us to Romania, and more precisely to Transylvania.
Through elevators, visitors can reach a depth of 80 meters. In the ancient Turda salt mine, which has its origins in the second century AD, there is now a Museum of Contemporary Art, spaces used for concerts and events, and a playground complete with a Ferris wheel and bowling alley.
The Salt Cathedral in Sicily
To find out we have to go to Sicily, in the Scavuzzo area, a few kilometers from the urban center of Realmonte. It is here that there is a rock salt mine with very ancient origins. The first news, in fact, dates back to six million years ago.
The salt cathedral today is a place of worship to reach and contemplate. There are the statues of the Holy Family and those of Santa Barbara, the bas-reliefs, the altar, and the pulpit to be reached through tunnels and narrow galleries. And everything here was made with rock salt.
Derinkuyu: the underground city of Turkey
It was 1963 when a local citizen, on the occasion of the renovation of his home, found himself in front of what looked like another city.
His intuition proved him right: it was a real metropolis divided into several levels up to a depth of 85 meters. Derinkuyu is the largest underground city in the whole of Turkey and its origins have been traced back to the 7th century BC.
Thrihnukagigur: journey to the center of the earth
The Journey to the Center of the Earth is not the only prerogative of Jules Verne, because we too are allowed to enter the bowels of a still active volcano. We are talking about Thrihnukagigur, the volcano near Reykjavík, in Iceland. The magma chamber, which can be reached thanks to guided tours, is a true explosion of colors, charm, and suggestions.
If you are afraid to go down it is understandable, but the fact that the volcano has been dormant for more than 4000 years will perhaps make you change your mind.
Coober Pedy, the underground village
Located in a desert area that winds through South Australia, in the town of Coober Pedy nothing is as it seems. Looking at the photos, you might get the impression that the 1,600 proclaimed inhabitants do not actually exist. And yet those people are there, but they live underground.
The sultry and harsh climate, in fact, makes life on the desert plain quite difficult. Thus the village of Coober Pedy, located underground, offers the alternative. Here are houses, churches, and even offices. There is also a hotel, of course, available for travelers who want to discover the wonders that are hidden under the ground.
