The Aussie's Underground City at Naours

Entrance Naours Caves, Picardy, France

The underground portion of Naours began as a quarry in antiquity that was steadily enlarged over successive centuries. The empty subterranean chambers gave area residents a convenient place to store goods and take shelter from the elements, and to hide from raiders and roving armies looking for supplies. By the 17th century, thanks to the rampant destruction of the Thirty Years’ War, the underground city had a large and fairly well-settled contingent of residents. As Western Europe stabilized and hiding in caves for long periods of time became less necessary, the existence of this underground complex was forgotten until it was rediscovered in 1887.

Tunnels

Graffiti

Henry Holloway (left) and his mate, John Castree (right) of the 15th Battalion AIF left their marks before heading along to the Pozieres sector. 

Sources:  Agence Somme Tourisme; Explore France; Atlas Obscura; Monash Centre