Underground Places To Visit

We can be happy underground.  From exploring rock formations to underground cisterns to underground churches and temples, here are some of the most amazing and unique underground places to visit.

Reed Flute Cave – Guilin, China
Getting its name from the reeds growing near the entrance, China’s Reed Flute Cave is and underground collection of stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations that were formed more than 180 million years ago.  The staggered rocks are illuminated by colored lighting for added beauty and effect during your tour of the Reed Flute Cave.  Highlights inside the cave include the Crystal Palace– an impressive collection of stalactites jutting down from the ceiling as well as inscriptions on the cave walls that date back to 792 AD during the Tang Dynasty.  It is recommended to spend about 2-3 hours on a guided tour through the cave. View these China tours 2020

Salt Cathedral – Zipaquirá, Colombia
Located about 30 miles north of Bogotá, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is one of the most unique underground places to visit in the world.  The Salt Cathedral is a still-functioning Catholic church that was built in the 1950s inside a salt mine some 220 yards underground.  You can take a guided tour through the fourteen underground chapels that are connected by tunnels, each depicting the Stations of the Cross.  The tour as well as informative movie take about 1-2 hours.  Be respectful as church service is still held regularly. Take a look at our Colombia travel packages

Caves of Camerano – Camerano, Italy
Beneath the Italian municipality of Camerano there is an underground network of caves and tunnels known as the Grotte di Camerano or the Caves of Camerano.  This underground tourist attraction dates back to Roman times and features carvings and bas-relief crosses engraved on the ceilings of the caves.  Guided tours are available and it takes approximately 90 minutes to explore this underground city. Browse our tour packages to Italy

Pilsen Historical Underground – Pilsen, Czech Republic
One of the longest and best underground places to visit in Central Europe is the Pilsen Historical Underground located under the city of Pilsen.  The extensive network of tunnels began in the 13th century as underground wine cellars and was used for a variety of purposes over the centuries including storing beer.  The tour takes approximately 30 minutes and adults can sample beer that Pilsen is famous for. View our Czech Republic destinations.

Dambulla Cave Temple – Dambulla, Sri Lanka
The Dambulla Cave Temple is Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave temple complex and is comprised of five caves under a vast overhanging lava rock.  Begin your tour at the Golden Temple, then climb uphill to access the Dambulla Cave Temples which is adorned with over 150 statues of Buddha as well as Buddhist murals painted on the walls.  The Dambulla Cave Temples are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Plan to spend 1-2 hours exploring the cave temple complex.

Basilica Cistern – Istanbul, Turkey
The Basilica Cistern is located in the famous Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and was built in 532 AD.  The ancient underground cistern once provided a water filtration system for the city and is known locally as Yerebatan Sarayi, or Sunken Palace, for its marble columns rising from the water.  The highlight of the Basilica Cistern is the two Medusa heads used as column bases dating to the Roman period.  It is recommended to spend 1-2 hours exploring this popular underground attraction.  View these Turkey tours 2020

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