Five Of The World's Coolest And Weirdest Underground Attractions

Over decades, the human race has developed a way to niche out world-class attractions from the weirdest of places created by nature. 

Going underground for a long time is uncomfortable for many people.

However, since the dawn of humankind, people have been living and working underground through activities like mining and caving.

There are a variety of magnificent underground phenomena found all over the world.

Here are five of the world's most alluring underground attractions.

1. Derinkuyu, Turkey

The Derinkuyu underground city in Turkey's Cappadocia region is thousands of years old.

It extends over eight levels and is the deepest structure of its kind in the area, with a maximum depth of 85 meters.

The people of Derinkuyu were able to avoid extreme weather conditions and more successfully fend off invaders by choosing to live underground.

The location has the remains of churches, shops, and schools even though it is not currently inhabited.

It is an intriguing illustration of the survival instinct in action.

 

2. Ajanta Caves, India

The roughly 30 caves of Ajanta are surprisingly well-lit considering they are carved deep into a rock face.

Additionally, it is a good job of intricate carving. 

This amazing collection of Buddhist temples, monasteries, and other structures from the first and second centuries BC is much easier to admire thanks to all that illumination.

These ancient Indian wall paintings are made of granite that has been both painted and intricately ornamented; some of the best examples are still in existence.

 

3. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, Colombia

A cathedral was carved out beneath 200 meters of salt, rock, and minerals, which is an incredibly impressive feat in and of itself.

However, what is even more astounding is how magnificent the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá in Colombia is.

It is incredibly light-reflective and fills the chambers and tunnels with an almost neon-like haze of blues and purples as the light filters through it.

If you happen to see it on a Sunday, you will learn about its other oddities: it is still a functioning Roman Catholic church.

 

4. Salina Turda, Romania

The phrase "Transylvanian underground theme park" has a vaguely Scooby-Doo vibe to it.

But it really does exist, and it is not at all spooky.

Salina Turda, a complex built deep underground in a vast salt mine, offers activities like a panoramic wheel, mini-golf, bowling, table tennis, and even boating on a mine lake.

The park makes up for its lack of traditional high-thrill rollercoasters with gorgeous scenery.

 

5. Under, Norway

Although Under in Kristiansand, Norway, is more underwater than underground, it still deserves a spot on this list.

Diners enjoy their meals as icy North Sea currents swirl across the windows of this elegant restaurant, which is five and a half meters below the surface.

Under has a strange stillness despite the choppy waters around it, though you never know what might come up from the deep.