Top 10 Most Incredible Underground Cities in the World

Architects and real estate developers are returning to underground urbanism to combat rising energy costs and climate change, according to industry data. From the 18-level complex of Derinkuyu in Turkey to Helsinki’s modern “Underground Master Plan,” these settlements provide natural thermal insulation and high resistance to extreme weather events.

Why are underground cities attracting modern developers?

Underground spaces significantly reduce heating and cooling expenses by using the earth as natural insulation. According to research, these structures maintain stable internal temperatures regardless of surface conditions.

This efficiency is evident in Coober Pedy, Australia, where “dugouts” maintain temperatures between 22-24°C despite surface heat exceeding 45°C. Similarly, the Yaodong cave homes on China’s Loess Plateau provide a cool 20-22°C during summers when surface temperatures top 35°C.

Did You Know? The massive underground city of Derinkuyu in Turkey remained hidden until 1963, when a local resident discovered a secret passage while renovating his home.

Which ancient settlements prove the viability of subterranean living?

Turkey’s Cappadocia region hosts two major complexes. The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism reports that Derinkuyu reaches depths of 60-85 meters and could once house 20,000 people along with livestock.

Kaymaklı, located 20 kilometers from Nevşehir, offers a more spacious layout with rooms for living, wineries, and granaries. Archaeologists note that its volcanic tuff walls keep temperatures stable at 13-15°C year-round.

In Italy, Matera’s Sassi districts feature dwellings carved into limestone. These sites, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993, utilized advanced rainwater collection systems to survive arid periods.

How is Helsinki integrating underground space into a modern metropolis?

Helsinki is a global leader in subterranean planning, having approved an official “Underground Master Plan” in 2011. City authorities have developed over 400 large objects, totaling 10 million cubic meters of space in granite rock.

The infrastructure includes data centers, parking, and the Itäkeskus sports complex. The city integrates heat from underground data centers into the centralized heating system to lower carbon emissions.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Helsinki’s model demonstrates a critical shift toward circular urban economies. By moving technical infrastructure underground, cities can preserve surface land for green spaces while utilizing the thermal mass of bedrock to stabilize energy loads.

What is the impact on real estate values and investment?

Subterranean features often increase property premiums in historic districts. In Matera, fully reconstructed cave homes can reach 4,000–6,000 euros per square meter, compared to the city average of 2,000–3,500 euros.

5. How can cities contribute to combat climate change?

Orvietto, Italy, sees similar trends where properties with access to its 1,200+ underground objects command higher prices than the city’s 1,500–3,000 euro per square meter average.

In Finland, the shift of technical services underground supports high surface property values. Apartments in central Helsinki can exceed 7,000–8,000 euros per square meter.

What may happen next for urban development?

Developers could increasingly adopt “passive climatic architecture” seen in Setenil-de-las-Bodegas, Spain, where rock formations serve as natural roofs. This approach may become a standard for sustainable building in high-heat regions.

Large metropolises are likely to expand their underground footprints for transport hubs and commercial complexes. The success of the Yaodong and Coober Pedy models suggests that subterranean residential zones could offer a viable path for climate-adaptive housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is the underground city of Derinkuyu?
According to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the city reaches depths of approximately 60–85 meters across up to 18 levels.

What is the primary benefit of Yaodong houses in China?
These homes are highly energy-efficient due to the thermal inertia of the loess soil, which keeps interiors cool in summer and warm in winter.

How does Helsinki use its underground space for safety?
The Ministry of the Interior states that Helsinki’s network of shelters can accommodate hundreds of thousands of people, with many spaces serving commercial purposes during peacetime.

Would you consider living in a home carved into bedrock if it meant significantly lower energy bills?