10 mysterious cities that are built in caves

Have you ever wondered how people lived before the apartment buildings, large country houses and small villas, with a garden and a swimming pool? Mountain towns, built right into the mountain slopes, have been a refuge for many tribes for tens of centuries. Moreover, some of these people live and so far, that is, of course, supports the theory that man is able to adapt to anything.

Of course, now some of the mountain towns are refined with modern creature comforts. Others are destroyed almost completely and are walking the wind from the plains and the ghosts of bygone days. That is as much as ten villages in the mountains, which will be interesting to see everyone.

Yanqing county

China

At 80 kilometers from Beijing's Yanqing county are magnificent caves. It is the remains of ancient animals that have been used in Chinese medicine as a dragon bones have been found here. No one knows exactly when these houses were built just here is located 117 caves, where scientists have found traces of human habitation.

Matmata

Tunisia

That remind you of these buildings? That's right, "Star Wars"! These traditional cave house in Matmata show how the Berbers have adapted to living in the glow of the Tunisian desert.

Bamiyan Caves

Afghanistan

Before long series of wars to turn Afghanistan into a place where no tourist stepping foot Bamiyan caves were one of the most famous attractions in the country. They were created two thousand Buddhist monks, hermits who lived here. In future, the caves were used as shelter by the Taliban.

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Sassi di Matera

Italy

House carved directly into the mountain, and the locals were the first people who settled in Italy. Prior to 1950, the caves were used as a shelter by local poorest people - the government resettled these people in specially created districts, and here staged a tourist monument.

Mesa Verde

USA

Cave dwellings in Mesa Verde is one of the best preserved archaeological sites in North America. Residents remain here until the end of 1270 when the population began to migrate south to New Mexico and Arizona.

Bandiagara

Mali

Traditional villages of the Dogon in Bandiagara are strategically placed high above the valleys, surrounded by steep ravines. Now Bandiagara are a favorite place for climbers.

Vardzia

Georgia

In the late 1100s, Queen Tamara ordered the construction of an underground sanctuary to protect people from the attacks of the Mongol hordes. The fortress was built on a hillside Erusheli: 13 levels, 6,000 apartments, the throne room, and a church with a bell tower.

Kandovan

Iran

Kandovan caves were inhabited for seven centuries. From ancient dwellings they turned into modern homes. Look carefully: Now there is a new windows, power cables, doors, chimneys, and even water.

Uchisar

Turkey

Hundreds of small rooms carved into the slopes of Uchisar - the highest point of Cappadocia. Rooms are connected by tunnels and passageways, but most of them are now destroyed.

Ortahisar

Turkey

Ortahisar - a city in the foothills filled with two-story houses, vacant for centuries. Now there are rehabilitation works and, soon, even open hotel.