Underwater cities are nothing less than a wonder. These places are surrounded by creatures of the deep and sunken history waiting to be explored by intrepid travelers. Underwater cities exist across the globe. From Jamaica to China, each is a legend of its own. Although these cities have been underwater for centuries now but they continue to fascinate researchers and science. So let’s dive deep to see what underwater cities are all about.
Under Water Cities Tour Guide
Port Royal, Jamaica
Port Royal, Jamaica tops the list of the most famous underwater cities. According to the legend, Port Royal in Jamaica was once a haven for pirates. It was known as the “wickedest city in the west”. However, an earthquake in 1692, brought down more than two-thirds of the original city. Today, the sunken portion of the city is preserved by the UNESCO World Heritage Conservation and serves as an archeological treasure.
Through constant efforts, a total of 8 buildings have been uncovered over the years along with a collection of situ artifacts. Travelers and divers are not allowed to enter the area. However, the recovered artifacts can be seen at the National Museum Jamaica in Kingston. To explore such a thrilling city, you must consider planning your trip with glamourDMC.
Lion City, China
The Lion City in China was not discovered until 2001. It was a city that submerged into the water in 1959 when the manmade reservoir Qiandao Lake was built to provide hydroelectricity to the residents nearby. It was also the fastest-growing city of China, founded nearly 1,400 years ago. The city, which is submerged around 85-131 feet below the surface is home to a splendid collection of artifacts related to the Ming and Qing dynasty.
The examples also include pagodas, temples, lions and carved dragons, etc. In addition to that, Qiandao Lake is also home to another city, which is even older. Considering the depth and location of the city, the local management only allows experienced drivers to visit the underwater city.
Dwarka, India
There was a time when Dwarka, an underwater city in India was perceived to be a myth. However, recently significant progress was made to reveal the truth after several claims of 700,000 palaces made of silver, gold, and precious stones were made. It is believed that the kingdom was built by Lord Krishna.
In 2001, the National Institute of Ocean Technology discovered ruins some 131 feet below the surface near the Gulf of Khambhat. The discovery led to evidence of human bones along with structures and pottery, highlighting that the city could date as far as 9,500 years.
Yonaguni Monument, Japan
The Yonahuni MonumeA diver discovered the Yonahuni Monument in Japan diver in 1986 near the Coast of Yonaguni Island. It is a pyramid-shaped structure, featuring star-like terraces and rising around 90 feet from the seabed. It is one of the most controversial underwater cities in the world. Although multiple studies have been carried out and continue to be carried out even to this day but there is no evidence that suggests manmade civilization. However, the city is open for travelers who wish to see it from their own eyes.
Additionally, several prominent theorists and historians have come out to state that the city might date 2,300 to 3,000 years ago. At the moment, archeologists have not been able to explore any artifacts, items, or objects that suggest human activity in the past.
Villa Epecuen, Argentina
Villa Epecuen was an Argentinian tourist village that was located at the edges of Laguna Epecuen. Back in the day, it was a thriving town until heavy rain during the mid-1980s caused the lake to overflow and destroyed everything in its path.
Today, it is technically not entirely submerged into water. Since 2009, the floodwater levels have receded, uncovering the haunted half-submerged houses, roads, and trees, etc. It is one of the very few places that does not require scuba gears to explore. As the water level receded, a former 85-year old resident decided to return and is also the lead subject in a 2013 documentary, Pablo’s villa.
Heracleion, Egypt
The Heracleion city in Egypt was discovered in 2000, some thirty feet under the sea. It is located northwest of Alexandria and off the coast of Abu Qadir’s Egyptian Town. The sunken city was the main trading point back in the 6th century of the Mediterranean. Over the years, the city has revealed pottery, giant statues, jewelry, and wrecked ships dating and relating to the Ptolemaic dynasty.
The local management does not allow anyone to come close to the sunken city and there are no plans yet to construct an underwater museum. This is also intended to protect the city from poaching and pollution.
Baiae, Italy
Baiae, Italy was once a flourishing spa town that was the playground for the rich and famous. It was known for its hedonistic ways until it was ransacked in the 8th century by Saracens. As a result, the people fled the city and the remaining site was swallowed by floodwater. Today, the site is preserved and overseen by Paro Archeologico Sommerso di Baia and divers can explore the extensive local sites such as the Pisonian Villa previously owned by the Piso family who planned and plotted to overthrow Emperor Nero.
The site also features the sunken Nymphaeum, which includes many ancient marble statues and was home to Emperor Claudius Nymphaeum.
Final Word
Underwater cities continue to be discovered and revealed to the world. This has helped science and archeologist understand human behavior and patterns dating thousands of years. Apart from the sunken cities, some countries like Japan are planning to build an underwater city of the future. It is intended to revolutionize contemporary living. With plans reaching close to reality, only time will tell when humans start living underwater.