5 underwater cities that are hidden from the human eye

By TravelWiseFeb 8, 2024 09:01 AMNews
Share:
5 underwater cities that are hidden from the human eye
Underwater cities for those looking for Atlantis. Source: Freepik

Natural disasters and cataclysms have repeatedly changed the map of the world, wiping out entire settlements and large places. In particular, big water has also taken its toll, which is why we can see some of the cities today, if not in the references of chroniclers, then simply underwater.

What underwater cities have survived to this day and where can you visit them? The BBC Bitesize programme tells us about them.

Baia, Italy

This ancient city near Naples was especially popular among the Romans. Even Julius Caesar and Nero had their own villas here and enjoyed the hot springs. However, it was because of them, or rather because of the peak of volcanic activity, that the city was actually filled with water. A process known as bradyssis took place in this place, during which the ground level slowly dropped by four to six metres, bringing most of the city underwater. Now, you can explore the underwater world by scuba diving.

5 underwater cities that are hidden from the human eye
Archaeological marine park of Bahia. Source: subaia.com

Thonis-Heracleion, Egypt

This place was once known as a port located at the western mouth of the Nile River. Here, 60 shipwrecks and more than 700 anchors were found, as well as the The Decree of Saïs. This discovery is a two-metre-long stone tile engraved with hieroglyphs that outline a detailed scheme of Egyptian taxation in the early 4th century BC.

Derwent, England

The city of Derwent was deliberately flooded in the second half of the 20th century to create the Ladybower Reservoir. Work on its construction began in 1935, and by 1945, the village of Derwent was completely covered by water.

Port Royal, Jamaica

In the 17th century, this place was known as "the most evil city on Earth", where pirates lived. People here lived in brick or wooden houses, often up to four floors, and the population was constantly growing. However, on June 7, 1692, a powerful earthquake and tsunami hit this place and covered the city. It is believed that 2000 people died that day, and many more were injured. You can see what Port Royal hides with scuba diving after obtaining permission from the local authorities.

5 underwater cities that are hidden from the human eye
In the 16th century, the city of Port Royal was the centre of the slave trade and a bastion of lawlessness and piracy throughout the Caribbean. Source: Freepik

Villa Epecuén, Argentina

This resort was founded in 1920 on the shores of Villa Epecuén and flooded in 1985. The lake around the villa was constantly flooding and drying up, but due to a severe storm, the lake overflowed, breaking through the protective wall and burying the town under 10 metres of salt water. However, the water level has been falling since 2009, gradually opening up the villa.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Emirates aircraft taking off from runway

Emirates Adjusts Gulf Travel with New Aircraft on Key Route

Jul 9, 2025 09:29 AM
Rail workers performing track maintenance at a train station during daytime

Planned Rail Works to Impact Night Trains Between Llandudno and Holyhead

Jul 9, 2025 07:36 AM

Manila Sapporo Air Route Restored This Winter Boosting Winter Travel Choices

Jul 8, 2025 20:42 PM

Ipswich Train Services Updated to Handle Large Crowds During Ed Sheeran Concerts

Jul 8, 2025 18:37 PM
WestJet airplane landing with extended flaps against blue sky

WestJet Expands Winter Flights, Unlocking New Warm-Weather Destinations for Travelers

Jul 8, 2025 16:24 PM
Transavia aircraft taking off under clear blue sky

Transavia opens early booking for popular summer 2026 routes

Jul 8, 2025 14:41 PM
Rail workers conducting maintenance inside a tunnel at night

Severn Estuary Rail Closure to Disrupt Summer Travel to Key Outdoor Spots

Jul 8, 2025 10:38 AM
Modern hotel room with neutral tones, large bed, and floor-to-ceiling curtains

Central Turin Gains New Accommodation Option in Historic Setting

Jul 7, 2025 23:29 PM
Airplane flying overhead on a clear day

New Nonstop Route Links UAE and Southern Germany

Jul 7, 2025 19:33 PM

Italy Faces Rail Disruptions Amid Nationwide Strike in July

Jul 7, 2025 17:44 PM

Nonstop Flights Between Hanoi and Xi’an Make Cultural Journeys Easier for Travelers

Jul 7, 2025 16:27 PM
Modern hotel room with neatly made bed and ambient lighting

New Hotel Project Near Berliner Tor Set to Expand Hamburg Accommodation

Jul 7, 2025 15:51 PM
A man shouting into a megaphone during a protest with a crowd in the background

Finnair Strike Cancels 100 Flights Disrupting Travel at Helsinki Airport

Jul 6, 2025 19:42 PM
Bridge and colorful buildings in central Copenhagen near the canal

Rotterdam, Copenhagen and Munich Offer Direct Access to Active Public Zones

Jul 6, 2025 17:35 PM
SunExpress aircraft in flight before landing

New Summer Route Links Liverpool with Türkiye’s Southern Coast

Jul 5, 2025 23:25 PM

Expect Train Delays as Shrewsbury–Crewe Route Closes for Repairs

Jul 5, 2025 21:41 PM

Six New Cities Added to KLM’s 2025 Network amid Growing Summer Traffic

Jul 5, 2025 19:38 PM
A steam train crossing a small stone bridge through a green countryside valley, releasing white smoke

Steam Train Journeys Return with New Routes for Exploring Britain’s Nature and History This Summer

Jul 5, 2025 17:56 PM
Two Greater Anglia trains at a station platform under electric lines

Greater Anglia Introduces Fare Offers Ahead of Summer Festivals in East Anglia

Jul 5, 2025 16:43 PM
AirAsia airplane wing with logo against clear sky

AirAsia’s New Fleet Set to Unlock More Direct Long-Haul Flights for Travelers

Jul 5, 2025 15:39 PM
Rail maintenance machinery working on train tracks near passenger trains

Calabria Rail Maintenance Weekend Disrupts Key Travel Routes

Jul 4, 2025 23:27 PM
Passenger checking carry-on luggage at airport baggage claim

Finnair Reminds Passengers of Carry On Rules Ahead of New EU Liquid Restrictions

Jul 4, 2025 21:56 PM

Cardiff Rail Upgrades Will Disrupt Weekend Travel and Affect Passengers

Jul 4, 2025 19:31 PM

Croatia Airlines Resumes Zagreb and Bucharest Flights Enhancing Travel Options for Passengers

Jul 4, 2025 17:28 PM
Covered outdoor area at Munich Airport

Munich to Casablanca Flights Resume, Opening Door to West Africa

Jul 4, 2025 15:45 PM
Manchester Piccadilly railway station with multiple platforms and trains during daytime

Rail Delays and Route Changes in Manchester During Oasis Concert Week

Jul 4, 2025 11:32 AM