5 Places Where People Live Under the Ground

When we think about where humans live, our minds usually go into images of cities, villages, or even remote rural areas where people live in homes above ground. Yet, there are fascinating communities around the world that have found unique ways to live underground.

These underground communities, whether born out of necessity or personal choice, offer a remarkable look at how humans adapt to their environments in extraordinary ways. From escaping harsh climates to creating hidden cities, here are some places where people live under the ground.

Matmata, Tunisia

In the southern desert of Tunisia lies the Berber village of Matmata, where underground living is a centuries-old tradition. Here, residents have dug large, circular pits into the soft sandstone to form courtyards, with rooms excavated into the walls around them. 

These underground homes, or “troglodyte” dwellings, are designed to offer protection from the blistering desert sun. Matmata’s distinctive underground architecture gained worldwide attention when it was featured as a filming location in the “Star Wars” movies. 

Though tourism has introduced modernity to parts of the village, many locals continue to live in these ancient homes, preserving a way of life that has endured for generations.

Coober Pedy, Australia

Deep in the arid heart of South Australia lies Coober Pedy, often referred to as the “opal capital of the world.” This small desert town is home to a population that has embraced underground living to escape the extreme desert heat. 

Temperatures above ground can skyrocket to over 40°C (104°F), making life on the surface unbearable during the summer months. As a result, many residents have built “dugouts” homes carved into the earth, offering natural insulation from both the searing heat and the colder winter nights. Coober Pedy’s underground network doesn’t stop at homes. 

There are underground churches, shops, and even hotels, making it a fully functioning subterranean community that thrives below the surface.

Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain

Nestled in the cliffs of a narrow river gorge in southern Spain, the town of Setenil de las Bodegas is a striking example of how humans can live harmoniously with nature. Rather than digging fully underground, the residents of Setenil have incorporated natural rock formations into their homes and businesses, using massive overhanging cliffs as roofs and walls. 

The result is a town that seems almost sculpted into the landscape, with whitewashed buildings clinging to the rugged cliffs. This natural setup provides shelter from the intense heat while creating a charming and visually stunning environment. Setenil de las Bodegas is not only a place of shelter but also a tourist attraction for those drawn to its beauty and ingenuity.

Cappadocia, Turkey

The region of Cappadocia in central Turkey is known for its surreal landscape of towering rock formations, but its most extraordinary feature lies below ground. 

Thousands of years ago, people began carving underground cities into the soft volcanic rock as a way to protect themselves from invaders. One of the largest and most impressive of these is Derinkuyu, which could house as many as 20,000 people. 

This vast underground city spans multiple levels, featuring living spaces, food storage, churches, and even schools. While most of these ancient cities are now archaeological treasures, some underground homes in Cappadocia remain in use today, giving visitors a glimpse into the area’s unique subterranean lifestyle.

Beijing’s Underground City, China

In Beijing there us an extensive and mostly hidden world, a vast network of tunnels known as Beijing’s Underground City. Constructed during the Cold War as a precautionary measure against nuclear attacks, the underground city spans over 85 square kilometers (33 square miles). 

Originally designed as a refuge, it included spaces for homes, schools, and hospitals, all intended to serve the city’s population in case of an emergency. 

While the underground city was never used for its original purpose, some of its tunnels have since been repurposed as living quarters, particularly for migrant workers seeking affordable housing in the overcrowded metropolis.