Join us as we run down 6 of the world's best and spookiest catacombs – and introduce you to some prehistoric remains here at Stump Cross Caverns.
At Stump Cross Caverns, you can expect an enchanted kingdom of underground chambers and passageways – all decorated with stalagmites and stalactites and well-lit for visitors of all ages.
But not every underground space is quite as cosy. There are plenty of catacombs across the world that you wouldn't want to venture into alone.
In this article, we're going to give you a quick tour of six of the world's creepiest catacombs – as well as a look at some special artefacts we have here at Stump Cross.
Catacombs are at least as old as the Roman Empire – and many cultures have built them since as a ceremonial way of burying the dead. There are miles upon miles of catacombs snaking across the globe – but only a few can be explored by the public.
So grab your flashlight, wrap up warm, and let's take a look at some of the creepiest catacombs out there...
1. St Stephen's Catacombs, Vienna
This underground burial site is located directly below St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. The catacombs were used as a grave site for Austrian rulers. Their long, dark, tortuous routes mean you're only able to visit them with a knowledgeable guide.
The spookiest part of all? The catacombs are said to hold the remains of 11,000 bodies with bones lining the walls. Brave souls can see them all on a guided tour.
2. Capuchin Catacombs, Palermo
If bone-lined walls aren't enough to send a tingle up your spine, then read on...
Next on our list of creepy catacombs is the ghoulish site of Palermo Capuchin – a burial site hidden under Palermo's streets.
This historical wonder is overrun with ancient artefacts – and it's not for the faint-hearted. The site was once owned by monks who, like the ancient Egyptians before them, decided to mummify the dead.
These tunnels are bursting with mummified remains, with some even hanging from the walls in an upright position. And if that's not enough, the present-day owners have shaken things up by giving some of the mummies historical costumes.
3. The catacombs of Paris
Guaranteed to send a chill down your spine, the catacombs of Paris house approximately six million human skeletons – that's the population of present-day Denmark!
These underground burial places were first used in the eighteenth century as the city's cemeteries became overcrowded. They soon began amassing the remains of people who died during the French Revolution.
There's never a dull moment in the catacombs. They were used as a hiding place by members of the French Resistance during World War II – and in 2004, police were shocked to find that an entire secret cinema had been set up there.
Then in 2017, thieves stole more than 300 bottles of vintage wines from the catacombs. This was no cornershop fare but worth a whopping €250,000.
4. Panga ya Saidi, Kenya
Not all things spooky have to be man-made. As dyed-in-the-wool lovers of all things subterranean, we can't neglect to mention Panga ya Saidi in Kenya.
The cave of Panga ya Saidi is the site of a 78,000-year-old child burial. This is the oldest known human burial in the region. Researchers believe that the child had been laid in a foetal position, its head on a ceremonial pillow.
5. The Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa
Visitors to Alexandria, Egypt can check out the catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa – a three-level extravaganza containing three hundred bodies.
Dating from around the second century AD, they're replete with elaborate decorations in Roman, Greek and Egyptian styles. As well as the main tomb, there's a haunting banqueting hall for the families of the dead.
6. The Monastery of San Francisco Catacombs, Lima, Peru
Deep beneath the San Francisco de Asís Convent, these catacombs date from the days when Peru was a Spanish colony. Until the 19th century, it was the city's main burial ground and is home to 25,000 bodies.
Slap bang in the middle of Peru, these catacombs are a popular tourist attraction.
7. Stump Cross Caverns
Like we say, Stump Cross Caverns isn't a frightening site – although we're not averse to putting on some spooky events for Hallowe'en. With its ancient rock formations and modern lighting, it's more cosy and enchanted than anything.
But it has been the site of some fascinating discoveries. Explorers have found the remains of bison, reindeer and wolves.
In 1922, the expedition led by Stump Cross legend Christopher Long found a wolverine skull. It now has pride of place in our visitor's centre – one of our Crown Jewels, if you will.
Although the wolverines that roamed the British Isles went extinct around 6,000 years ago, there are still tens of thousands roaming our planet in parts of Asia and North America.
At this point, you might be wondering what could possibly have brought a wolverine into the caves all those years ago. The answer is pretty simple – food. More than likely, the wolverine would have been on the prowl for its next meal.
However, palaeontologists have suggested that the wolverines stayed in the cave for a slightly more gruesome reason. Chances are, they got stuck in a flood. With no means of escape, they met a watery end.
Wolverines are lone creatures and love nothing more than exploring the wild alone. Next time you head to Stump Cross and find yourselves in the depths of our caverns, keep your eyes peeled for a pair of spooky eyes that might just be watching you from afar.
Here at Stump Cross, we're mad about our prehistoric past. One of the great things about caves is that they point you in all sorts of interesting directions – from Stone Age life to prehistoric animals, from Victorian lead miners to present-day fossil digs.
You can expect a warm Yorkshire welcome and an enchanting trip through the chambers and tunnels of our underground network. Interested? Then book today – or check out our calendar of indoor activities in Yorkshire.
