The Underground City of Naours is located in the Somme department, in France.
The history of the city dates back to the Middle Ages, when the inhabitants of the region began digging tunnels in the chalk to protect themselves from invasions and wars. These tunnels were later used as hiding places during the Wars of Religion and the Franco-German wars of the 19th century.
During the First World War, the Underground City of Naours was used as a refuge for soldiers and civilians. The tunnels were expanded and fitted out to accommodate hundreds of people during the bombings.
In total, the Underground City of Naours has more than 3000 meters of tunnels, which are spread over several levels.
After the war, the Underground City of Naours became a popular tourist attraction, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. The frescoes and sculptures created by the inhabitants of the region are still visible in the tunnels, offering a unique testimony to the history of the region.
Finally, the Underground City of Naours has been classified as a historical monument since 1921 and is managed by the association “Les Amis de Naours”. It is open to the public all year round and offers guided tours in French and English.
