Historical Buildings In Europe With Secret Passageways

There are so many wonders in the world to see but in one lifetime, it is hardly possible to see all. Even those who are not as passionate about travelling must have seen the Eiffel tower or know of it. But did you know that this wonder of the world housed a secret apartment near the top of the structure which its designer Gustave Eiffel used as a place to perform scientific experiments Read on to find out about such historical buildings in Europe that house one or more secret passages.

Bran Castle, Romania

You might have seen this castle popping up on the search engine if you type Dracula's castle. Situated in Bran, Romania, this castle is a national monument of Transylvania which is rumoured to have inspired Bram Stoker for his novel, Dracula. There is a hidden passage behind a fireplace that connects the first and third floors. Another, creepier fact about the castle, which has no dearth of secrets, is that it once housed the heart of Queen Marie, the last queen of Romania. 

Newgrange, Ireland

People know about Stonehenge, the ruins of the Roman empire, the pyramids of Giza, or the rock city of Petra as being the oldest places in the world, but very few of those lists would care to include Newgrange. In Boyne Valley, there is a chain of ancient tombs that were built around 3200 BC predating even the Giza pyramids. Boyne Valley in Meath was built in such a way that every year on the morning of winter solstice a blast of sunlight bathes the central chamber of the facade in brilliant gold. A few years ago, some archeologists extracted the DNA of an adult male who is believed to have been buried in one of its many secret passages, some 4000 years ago. And if you wish to experience the sunlight on the shortest day of the year, you might have to win a literal lottery. 

Predjama Castle, Slovenia

In the old country of Slovenia, the Predjama Castle is a building of wonder. The castle took nearly 400 years to be constructed so it is impossible to breach it. Just like in horror movies, this fortress houses a secret underground passage which connects it to a chain of tunnels. 

The Vasari Corridor, Italy 

This enclosed passageway is tucked away in Florence, connecting the Palazzo Vecchio with the Palazzo Pitti and is known to house nearly 1000 works of art. It is closed for the regular public and the only way to look at the art in this gallery slash passage is to arrange a private tour, which is not an easy feat.