Traveling through the dungeons of Europe: catacombs of Berlin, Paris, Rome and Prague

Tired of the crowds of tourists at the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum? Are standard tourist routes no longer intriguing? Then it's time to explore the whole world that is hiding under our feet. So, what attractions are worthy of your attention - we tell you below.

Berlin

In 1945, the Soviet army occupied the city. It was almost completely destroyed, and many beautiful buildings were destroyed by bombs. Then a large cache was found underground. Many valuable things were kept there. Among the treasures are gold that archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann found in Troy, paintings from Italian museums, weapons, explosives, and combat aircraft.

The site is now open to visitors. Here, tourists can see the bunker where thousands of people were hiding and walk through the tunnels under the Berlin Wall.

The site also often organizes shows with professional actors. The performances are held in German and English.

The attraction is also divided into several thematic zones: an old library, a torture chamber, a secret court, and others.

Paris

The Parisian catacombs were formed as a result of limestone quarrying. The sedimentary rock was considered an important building material. It was used for the construction of many famous buildings in the city. In particular, for the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre.

In the eighteenth century, cemeteries were overcrowded and unsanitary conditions threatened public health. Then King Louis XVI decided to use the dungeons for reburial. In 1786, large-scale work began to transfer the remains of the bodies.

The basement labyrinth stretches for more than 300 kilometers. Here, tourists can see bones and skulls that have been put together in various shapes.

By the way, the entrance to the tunnels is located in the Montrouge district, near the Denfert-Rochereau metro station. A special sports police unit patrols here to keep order. After all, enthusiasts often try to penetrate outside the tourist areas.

Keep in mind that the temperature in the catacombs is about 14°C.

Rome

Quarries appeared in the Italian capital from the fifth to the second century B.C. They were created for the purpose of burying Christians. Believers opposed cremation, and there was not enough space in cemeteries. Roman law also prohibited burying Christ's followers in the city.

In the dungeons, the dead were wrapped in sheets, placed in niches, and covered with marble or clay slabs. Names and Christian symbols were engraved on them.

Over time, people began to hold secret meetings here, where they prayed and honored the martyrs.

The catacombs consist of narrow tunnels. Their total length can reach up to several tens of kilometers. The ceilings of the tunnels are often low, and the walls are equipped with arcosols. Tourists can also see various religious symbols carved into the walls: crosses, fish, lambs, and vines. All these elements symbolize Jesus Christ and the hope of resurrection.

The most popular attractions are the Catacombe di San Callisto and the Catacombe di San Sebastiano. Once upon a time, there was a private funeral crypt in the basement of St. Callisto. Bishops and popes were buried there and relics of saints were kept there.

Prague

The city's ancient quarries were used as storage facilities. They are part of an extensive system of underground passages that are located under historic buildings and central streets.

During the Thirty Years' War, the tunnels were used as hiding places. In the Middle Ages, the relics of saints were kept under the Church of St. James and religious ceremonies were held there. There is also the grave of the former Czech Chancellor Vratyslav Mitrovytskyi.

And under the Old Town Hall there is a complex of rooms and corridors with old prisons and torture chambers. They are considered to be living witnesses to the harsh realities of the justice system of that time.

The most popular route is route C. It is located at a depth of over 30 meters.

Mystical and mysterious attractions are already waiting for you. So don't hesitate and plan your trip as soon as possible!

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