Did you know there's a replica of Jesus' tomb in the United States?
Published on July 9, 2025
Credit: Jez Timms
You don't have to travel to Europe to find catacombs, crypts, and old underground tunnels. Here in the United States, we have our fair share of fascinating—and creepy—sites to discover. From church burials and Civil War passageways to underground cities, the country is full of hidden treasures worth visiting. If you're not afraid of the dark, cobwebs, and bones, join us as we unravel 10 spooky underground places you probably didn't know existed.
Seattle Underground
Credit: Quark-Dose
Seattle Underground is a sort of hidden city beneath the streets of Seattle, Washington. In the mid-19th century, the city’s streets were at ground level, but after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889 destroyed much of downtown, city planners decided to rebuild the streets one story higher, leaving a whole new second floor on top of the existing ruins.
For a time, people continued to use these underground secret passageways, but in 1907, they were closed to prevent illegal occupations. In the 1950s, the abandoned tunnels became a tourist attraction. Today, you can visit them and see the old storefronts, artifacts, and bank vaults for yourself!
St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral
Credit: Darndale
St. Patrick's Neo-Gothic Cathedral in Midtown Manhattan is one of New York City's architectural marvels. However, the original building, built in the early 1800s, is more modest and located in Lower Manhattan. This historic site is particularly special, as it houses the only catacombs in New York City and one of the handful that exist in the United States.
These subterranean tunnels served as a burial place for church parishioners for over 200 years. As New York grew, space became scarce, and it became necessary to find alternatives to house the deceased. Today, guided tours offer visitors a chance to explore this emblematic and sacred site.
Nashville’s underground tunnels
Credit: minree
Not many people know that Nashville has a network of hidden tunnels beneath its streets. They are mostly hidden from the public, but locals know about them thanks to the many spooky legends that have emerged throughout the years.
Some of these underground passageways date back to the Civil War era and were reportedly used to transport goods and soldiers. Others were constructed in the late 1800s as utility tunnels for steam and coal delivery. According to local lore, the tunnels were also used for secret escapes and Prohibition-era smuggling. Would you visit them?
The hidden catacombs of Indianapolis
Credit: kalhh
Who would have guessed there is a hidden underworld in Indiana's capital city? Thousands of people visit the Indianapolis City Market every day, but not many know about the catacombs hidden underneath.
These underground chambers were built in the 1880s as part of Tomlinson Hall. In the 1950s, the building burned down, yet the basement survived and is still standing today. Visitors can walk through the tunnels and admire the beautiful old brick arches. But that’s not all: once used primarily for storage, these catacombs are now open for tours, special events, and even parties!
St. Francis Seraph Church
Credit: Agent J
Originally established in 1819 by Cincinnati’s first Catholic settlers, St. Francis Seraph Church is best known today for its underground crypt. The present building was erected years later over the old church, and the remains from the former gravesite were relocated to a newly built crypt beneath it.
The site remains intact to this day and displays the headstones of the 42 individuals buried there nearly 200 years ago.
The Crypt of Civilization
Credit: Joseph Sharp
Can you imagine discovering a time capsule sealed for over 6,000 years? The Crypt of Civilization at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia, is a glimpse into our future past. It was sealed with a stainless steel door in 1940 and is not supposed to be opened until the year 8113, making it one of the longest-sealed time capsules in the world.
The crypt is located beneath the university, and the entrance is marked with a plaque describing its purpose. Inside are more than 800 items from the 20th century, including books, recordings, and everyday objects meant to preserve the culture and knowledge of the era.
Columbia catacombs
Credit: Tyler Mower
The Columbia Catacombs have been part of South Carolina’s capital city for generations. Nobody knows exactly what they were built for, but some believe they were used to move soldiers during the Civil War. Others claim the tunnels served as a hideout for bootleggers during Prohibition.
According to one of the many legends, these creepy tunnels were called ‘catacombs’ because in 1888, a student found human remains in the basement of DeSaussure College. While that story is likely more fiction than fact, if you’re curious—and brave—you might want to consider Columbia for your next haunted vacation.
Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land
Credit: Thomas Scheiner
There are many landmarks to visit in Washington, DC, but you might want to give the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land a chance. In the early 20th century, Franciscan monks began constructing a full-size replica of Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The building is so faithful to the original that it even includes the underground cave where Jesus' birthplace is supposed to be preserved.
But that's not all; the monks who built this place decided to add Roman-style stone catacombs full of dimly lit passages. Unlike the catacombs in Rome, however, all the graves here are symbolic, except for the preserved bones of a child martyr from the 2nd century dubbed Saint Innocent.
Old North Church Crypt
Credit: Всеволод Машарский
Did you know that beneath Boston's Old North Church lies a crypt containing more than 1,100 burials? It's also an extremely significant place in our nation's history. The church itself is famously associated with Paul Revere’s midnight ride during the American Revolution. Imagine that!
Today, the crypt is full of old wooden coffins, and some of them are in surprisingly good condition despite being nearly 200 years old. Next time you visit the city, you can take a tour to learn more about the church's history and its permanent residents.
Louisville’s Mega Cavern
Credit: vale
One of Kentucky’s best-kept secrets is sitting right below the surface for everyone to enjoy. The Louisville Mega Cavern is a huge underground space that once served as a limestone mine.
Now it’s used for storage, events, and even an underground bike park. One of the largest caverns in the United States, this hidden gem covers 100 acres, has 17 miles of tunnels to explore, and stays at 58ºF all year round. Visitors can ride bikes, take tram tours, and experience the world’s only underground zip line! Would you dare to try it?