Underground Edinburgh

Since the city's population was expanding quickly in the 19th century, there wasn't much room for residences in Old Town. People started converting basements and cellars into homes to maintain the security of living inside the wall.

Many less privileged families lived in this underground network, which was dark, claustrophobic, and unhygienic. These underground homes were abandoned and frequently destroyed as the city grew outside the fortifications. You can, however, take a trip to visit this underground metropolis if you're interested. The most fascinating fact about Edinburgh may be this one! Did you know that the current Old Town Edinburgh is not the city's original settlement? A metropolis that was once constructed is still buried beneath. It was covered in rubble up until 1985 to keep off businesspeople and the underprivileged.

Undoubtedly, criminals lurked in these cobblestone streets, mixing with the city's aristocracy, merchants, and common folk. Many of their misdeeds are chronicled in historical accounts and artistic representations. But there are innumerable tales that have yet to be told, dark secrets that are permanently tucked away in the narrow, enigmatic alleyways that add character to Edinburgh's charming streets. There is a maze of streets, tunnels, and vaults beneath the city. These were Edinburgh's original streets before buildings were erected on top of them, burying lively streets and transforming them into ghost towns.

Originally South Bridge's arches, the vaults were once used by traders and merchants before becoming uninhabitable as a result of moisture leaking through from the bridge above. The poorest people in the city moved into these cramped, dangerous, and gloomy vaults. Edinburgh's subterranean was eventually discovered and the illegal occupants were kicked out, leaving the vaults filled with rubble until 1985, when it was restored to its former, eerie beauty.