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Both beautiful and fascinating, caves can often come across as pretty things to look at and climb. In many cases this may be true. However, when you begin to look underneath the surface (’scuse the pun) there is so much more…

Dongzhong Primary School. Image Courtesy of Asian Offbeat

Rather than concentrate on the most beautiful caves around (that’s been done extremely well before), we’ve decided to explore some of the more interesting and unusual uses of caves.

5. Ayala Cave Disco, Trinidad, Cuba

On the outskirts of the historic, colonial town of Trinidad in Cuba, lies one of the most incredible caves. Stalactites hang from the ceiling, furniture and ornaments are made of rock and the whole place is lit with disco lights to the sound of Cuban music. It is absolutely magical and it’s the only one on the list that I have seen with my own eyes.

Image by Tcorrea

Image by Tcorrea

4. Khao Luang Cave Temple, Thailand

Khao Luang is not only one of the most important temples in its province Phetchaburi, it is also one of the most beautiful. The cave entrance is preceded by a set of concreate stairs from the foothills of the eponymous hill. The temple is famed for its architecture and the stunning Buddha statue, ordered by the King Chulalongkon. Altogether, 170 Buddha statues glisten inside the cave.

Image by Flickr User cfimages

3. Cave Hotels, Cappadocia, Turkey

Among our five most amazing uses for caves, the list would not be complete without at least mentioning some of the amazing caves from the region of Cappadocia, Turkey. We could do a whole blog post about it, however that might be a bit unfair.

The region is famous, for its unique geological and historical wonders, such as underground cities, cave temples and cave hotels. It is a haven for tourists. Below are just some of the incredible places you can stay in.

Cave Hotel Cappadocia. Image Couresy of Elkep Evi

Gamirasu Cave hotel. Image courtesy of Gamirasu.com

2. Cave School: Dongzhong Primary school

In southwest China’s Guizhou province, a huge cave has been used for something extraordinary. The cave, which is carved inside a mountain and was formed naturally over thousands of years by wind, water and seismic activity is now home to a primary school, complete with basketball courts, teaching rooms and small buildings.

Images below Courtesy of Asian Offbeat

1. The Secret Cave City of Arras, WW1

Underneath the northern French town of Arras, a secret city housing 25,000 soldiers just yards beneath the unsuspecting enemy was built.

Image courtesy of the Daily Mail

This massive feat of engineering included chapels, canteens, power stations, a light railway and a fully functioning hospital.

This “mega trench” was built after the slaughter at the battle of the Somme in 1916, when British generals attempted a new major offensive at Arras.

Image courtesy of the Daily Mail

This is perhaps one of the most amazing symbols of world war one: ingenuity, futility, determination, man-power and darkness all form part of this incredible underground city.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4 as well as numerous direct sources.

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