Labyrinths in Europe: Discovering Natural Riddles

Labyrinths in Europe have a large range. They range from an underground city in Turkey carved to prevent persecution, to a salt mine that has lasted centuries in Poland, to displays and deposits of thousands and millions of human remains. One thing that is common in all of Europe’s labyrinths is that they are a queer and reliable means of tapping into the history of the cities they are located in. Many of these underground sites will creep you out outright. But they are worth the courage you will need to wear to tour them.

You may tour any or all of these labyrinths when on your trip to Europe. Luckily, there are train networks connecting some of these locations together, so your trip get comfortable and even more faster. Now, let’s discuss labyrinths, shall we?

Derinkuyu, Cappadocia, Turkey

Considering its depth and tiered dwellings, the Derinkuyu Underground City is a marvel of engineering. The labyrinth is thought to have been constructed by Christians as a subterranean refuge from the pressure of the Roman Empire and Arabs. The eight levels of the underground city were created by carving soft volcanic stone, and each level is connected by a small tunnel. The oxygen ratio is kept constant at every level, which is the miracle of this labyrinth. In this city, there were also various amenities like a missionary school, study room, churches, cellars, wineries, and refectories. An hour-long guided tour of the city is available for a charge.

Capuchin Crypt, Rome, Italy

Under the Catholic church of Our Lady of the Conception of the Capuchins, there is a crypt with several little chapels. The 3,700 skeletal remains of bodies thought to be Capuchin friars who were buried by order are located in the crypt, which also serves as an ossuary. It is said that the earth for the crypt was gotten from Jerusalem. When friars occupied the church in 1631, the remains of dead friars were transported along. When a friar passed away in the crypt’s history, the eldest friar who was buried there was exhumed to make room for the new body. The exhumed remains are included in the decorative concept. However, bodies are buried for at least 30 years before being exhumed. Although the scene in the crypt is objectively unpleasant, the Catholic order maintains that the display serves as a reminder of our mortality and the fleeting nature of life. 

Since you’re already in Italy, you could seize the opportunity to also see other amazing and historic monuments around the country. You could catch a train from Rome to Florence to see the Uffizi Palace and Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, the Bargello Palace National Museum and a host of other places.  

Edinburgh Vaults, Scotland

These absolutely fascinating vaults are home to a large portion of Edinburg’s past. The 19 arches of the South Bridge in Edinburgh, which was finished in 1788, are where these vaults, also known as the South Bridge Vaults, are built. Taverns, workshops, and commercial storage facilities were located in the vaults. Later, it developed a reputation as a criminal hub, home to illegal casinos, distilleries, and, as legend has it, bodysnatching. In the 1820s, all the enterprises fled, and the poorest residents of Edinburg moved in. But the living circumstances were awful. There was no sunlight; moist air; a cramped space; and no running water. In addition, the bridge was built quickly, and the surface was never sealed against water, which occasionally caused the vaults to flood. Presently, a certain part of the vaults is used to host private events and parties. Daily tours are also available.

SchÖnbrunn Maze & Labyrinth, Vienna

This is another labyrinth that will surely fascinate you. Located om the SchÖnbrun palace ground, the labyrinth promises you great adventure and unending fun. A Prague to Vienna high speed train can convey you to this destination. Fun fact; only the imperial family was permitted to walk around the maze and labyrinth at a time before it became open to everyone. So, do not forget to feel like a royal when taking a walk around the labyrinth. The labyrinth has about twelve corner, each of which represents a zodiac sign. Fumble your way around the labyrinth to the Maze and climb a platform. From there, you can have a good laugh watching how the others get lost around the labyrinth. What better way to have fun. 

Paris Catacombs, France

More than six million dead people’s bones are deposited in the labyrinth-like Paris Catacombs. This ossuary is located at a depth of 20 meters and contains a network of galleries. The late 18th century saw grave public health issues with cemeteries, which prompted the relocation of their contents to this underground site. This location was picked for the relocation since it was convenient and had space available because it was home to fifteenth-century quarries. The city benefited more from the bone transfers since abandoned quarries needed to be consolidated because they were collapsing. By 1809, the catacombs were accessible to the public by appointment only. And now anyone can access them without formal authorization.

Berlin Underground, Germany

Although this labyrinth is only 160 years old, it has a far darker past than some other labyrinths in Europe. The Berlin Underground is an unconventional means to further understand the complex history of Berlin, used by locals and tourists alike. During the Second World War, smuggling goods and people from East Berlin to West Berlin was done through the underground routes, which included escape tunnels. Underground bunkers used as shelters during air strikes are a part of this labyrinth. A guided tour is required to see the famous spots in this maze. However, photographs are not permitted.

Yes, many of these labyrinths will give you the chills. Paranormal reports have also been reported in some. This might be a bit too much for you to handle. Still, if the opposite is the case, the labyrinths of Europe are waiting.