Hideout


This is actually not a class of subterranea, this is a special use of an underground space, and a short list of subterranea which actually have this aspect. The point is simple: one reason to build an underground structure is to hide from enemies. In general this includes the aspect wo hide the entrance and any other visible element on the surface, most important is the smoke of underground fires and fresh air. Also, the structures must offer all aspects of daily life, so people can hide underground for a longer time. And finally a basic aspect is confusing and deplaying possible intruder to allow the inhabitants to flee through other entrances.

Such structures were created in different dangerous times by different groups of people. The earliest were probably the catacombs, although they are mostly underground graveyards, people were hiding there for a long time during the persecution of Christians in ancient Rome. Once again, it was the Christians who were persecuted in Cappadocia during the Ottoman Empire, and they built the famous underground cities. The old bunkers of the World Wars were mainly air raid shelters, they were actually not secret, there were big signs for the public leading there. But there was an important subgroup of secret hideouts, where not people but important things were stored, valuable, gold, gems, artworks and much more. And again during the Cold War the bunkers were definitely secret and intended for several weeks of living underground. As well as the aim of creating a living environment free from nuclear, biological or chemical contamination, they were also kept secret because a direct hit from a nuclear weapon could have destroyed them even deep underground.