Ep 5. City of Caves: Budapest
- TVPG
- May 21, 2007
- 42 min
-
8.2 (25)
Set in the heart of Budapest, the City of Caves is a vast, inter-connected network of caves and tunnels that run beneath the city streets. This labyrinthine underworld is the focus of the Cities of the Underworld season 1 episode 5, which takes a deep dive into the history and the mysteries of this remarkable place.
As the episode unfolds, we are taken on a journey through the centuries, discovering how the City of Caves has played a key role in the city's development, and how it has been used for everything from sheltering refugees to smuggling goods.
We start out in the hills above Budapest, where natural springs have helped create a complex network of caves. These caves have been used for centuries, for everything from wine storage to brewing beer. We learn about how they were carved out by hand, and how they have been used in the past to keep people safe during times of war and unrest.
Moving deeper into the underground world, we explore the intricate network of tunnels that crisscross beneath the city. These tunnels were originally created to help transport goods and people, but over time they have been used for a variety of purposes. We visit the so-called "Hospital in the Rock", which was used as a field hospital during World War II, and later as a secret bunker for the Hungarian government.
But the City of Caves is not just a place of history and intrigue - it is also a thriving modern-day attraction. We get to meet some of the enterprising locals who have made the caves their home, and who have transformed them into a unique destination for tourists. From an underground nightclub to a subterranean wine bar, there is something for everyone here.
As the episode draws to a close, we are left with a sense of wonder at the sheer scale and complexity of the City of Caves. But we also come away with a renewed appreciation for the resourcefulness and resilience of the people who have made this subterranean world their own. From the ancient wine cellars to the modern-day nightclubs, the City of Caves is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the human spirit.
