Mysterious tomb with 1,000 entrances like a labyrinth.

Stretching over 2,500 km, the tunnel system in Odessa, Ukraine, is the world's largest labyrinth of catacombs, containing both a hospital and a theater.

Beneath the city of Odessa, Ukraine, lies what is believed to be the world's largest catacomb system. Much of it unmapped and spread throughout the city, this labyrinth stretches for over 2,500 kilometers. If laid in a straight line, these tunnels could connect to Paris, France – home to the world's second-largest catacomb. However, the Odessa catacombs are five times longer than the one in Paris.

If the tunnel system in Odessa were to be extended straight, it could lead all the way to Paris, France. (Photo:)Genoa.

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact time when the first catacombs were dug in Odessa, however, they expanded throughout the area since the late 18th century, when Catherine the Great ordered the construction of the port city on the coast. Numerous large mines were dug to extract limestone and build the city's foundations. These tunnels were more than 30 meters deep underground. New tunnels were added whenever the old ones were depleted of limestone, a process that created a network of tunnels.

Tunneling continued throughout the 19th century and into the early 20th century, until the outbreak of the Russian Revolution in 1917. The tunnel system fell into the hands of thieves and vagrants who used it as a meeting place and a smuggling operation. At one point, these dark tunnels were also used for the slave trade.

When the Nazis advanced on Odessa and massacred the population, the bunkers became shelters for Soviet forces fighting against the Fascists. The shelters became comfortable living spaces thanks to the partisans. The rooms were renovated and lit by candles so they could play chess. Rooms were separated for men and women. Kitchens were equipped with limestone stoves, and smoke was vented through an open space above. There was even a hospital and a theater underground.

With over 1,000 entrances to the Odessa tunnel system, visitors need a guide to explore it; otherwise, it's easy to get lost and unable to get out. (Photo)Genoa.

Today, some of the tunnels have been rebuilt, allowing visitors to explore and learn about the living conditions of the soldiers of the past. At the Partisan Glory Museum near Nerybayskoye, there is a 1km-long tunnel displaying many old weapons, along with numerous mannequins simulating wartime conditions.

It is estimated that there are over 1,000 entrances leading into this labyrinth of mysterious tunnels. Many explorers who have come here have discovered ancient artifacts such as coins, tools, fabrics, kitchenware, World War II guns, and many old newspapers...

Entering the tunnels without a guide, visitors can easily get lost in the darkness and unable to find their way out.

The kitchen with cooking utensils was found inside the cellar. Photo: Panoramio.

According to VNE