Top 10 Entrances to the Underworld on Earth You Can Visit
#10: River Acheron
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Greece
Located in the Epirus region of northwestern Greece, the river Acheron flows into the Ionian Sea and is a rather short 32 miles long. According to the ancient Greeks and Romans, however, Acheron was one of five rivers of the underworld, with some myths connecting it to Hades or Tartarus. Although known as the “river of woe,” some legends claim it was capable of cleansing or healing those within it. Still others personified the river, recounting that Archeron was the son of the sun god Helios, who was transformed into a river after giving water to the Titans. Will the river cleanse you or come to life? There’s only one way to find out.
#9: Mount Osore
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Japan
Mount Osore refers to both a Buddhist temple and the active volcano upon which it resides. And while it may not have erupted for 10 thousand years, its smoky, volcanic activity has long led locals to associate it with the underworld. According to folk legends, mediums at the temple are said to be able to contact the souls of the dead. Not only that, but a nearby brook is said to connect to the Sanzu River, a mythical river in the Japanese Buddhist afterlife. If connecting with the other side isn’t your cup of tea though, there’s always the hot spring resort!
#8: Mount Hekla
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Iceland
Iceland is a very volcanically active country, and one of its most “vocal” volcanoes is Mount Hekla. Its first historically recorded eruption was in 1104, and it covered nearly half of the country in debris. This explosive event led observers to refer to the mountain as a “gateway to Hell.” The mountain’s grim reputation persisted for centuries, with some even mistaking birds seen near Hekla’s fires later on as the souls of the dead. Despite, or perhaps because of, its connection with the land of the damned, Mount Hekla remains a popular hiking destination.
#7: Lake Avernus
Italy
Located near the Phelegaean Fields, a large caldera in southwestern Italy, Lake Avernus is a volcanic crater lake. The Romans, in addition to building temples, bathhouses, and even a naval base in the area, also believed Avernus was an entrance to the underworld. In legends about figures such as Aeneas and Odysseus, Hades could be accessed via portals in and around the lake. Some Roman writers even used Avernus as another word for the underworld itself! And when a lake is synonymous with the land of the dead, well… that’s one spooky body of water.
#6: The Gates of Guinee
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Louisiana, USA
According to Voodou beliefs, Guinee is the place where the souls of the dead reside before reuniting with their forebears and is overseen by loa, Baron Samedi. Guinee is said to be accessed through seven gates, which some practitioners claim are all located in the city of New Orleans, specifically near Canal Street in the French Quarter. The gates are reportedly found in 7 local cemeteries. In order to open the gates, they must be visited in a specific order and specific offerings must be given to each guardian. Fail to complete the ritual properly and the spirits will drag the careless you back to the land of the dead with them.
#5: St. Patrick’s Purgatory
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Ireland
Although it sounds like a euphemism for a hangover on March 18th, St. Patrick’s Purgatory is actually a pilgrimage destination on Station Island in Ireland. The original destination of the pilgrimage was a cave or cellar, through which it is said that Purgatory could be entered. It was supposedly revealed to St. Patrick by God to show doubters how good Heaven is and how terrible Hell is by demonstrating the afterlife in-between the two. The cave itself has been closed off since the 17th century, but pilgrimages have continued to the present day.
#4: Houska Castle
Czech Republic
This Gothic castle is located just outside of Prague in the Czech Republic. According to legend, Houska was constructed atop a gateway to Hell; its chapel, in particular, is said to reside directly above the entrance. Proponents of this belief cite the fact that Houska was built without fortifications or a water source, and did not reside near any trade routes. Instead, its purpose was to stop demons from escaping from the pit beneath the castle. That does admittedly sound rather suspicious. Of course, others argue that it simply served an administrative purpose. Either way, the legend has long drawn occult enthusiasts to Houska in droves.
#3: Ploutonion at Hierapolis
Turkey
A Ploutonion is a term for a place of worship for the Greco-Roman god of the underworld, Pluto (previously called Hades). Sometimes called “Pluto’s Gate,” the Ploutonion at Hierapolis, found in modern day Denizli Province in Turkey, is a small chamber. What connects it to Pluto is that it is located atop a cave that emits carbon dioxide, which would suffocate anything that stayed too long within; leading locals to attribute their deaths to Pluto himself. Animals were often sacrificed in this manner, and priests would perform “miracles” by entering the religious site by holding their breath or finding pockets of oxygen.
#2: Fengdu Ghost City
China
Situated on the banks of the Yangtze River, Fengdu Ghost City has been around for about 2000 years. According to legend, it was founded by two officials, Yin Changsheng and Wang Fangping, who practiced Taoism to such a degree that they became immortal. When Yin and Wang are combined, it means “King of Hell.” Fengdu also features in many classic Chinese legends, like “Journey to the West.” Much of its architecture and statues refer to the underworld, and there are even several representations of the Chinese belief that the dead must pass 3 tests before they can enter the afterlife. Today, the city is a major tourist attraction; there are actually actors there to play the role of the legendary demons who guard the bridge.
Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
Seven Gates of Hell, Pennsylvania, USA
Several Myths Claim Gates to Hell Can Be Found Throughout Hellam Township
Cape Matapan Cave, Greece
Located Near Ruined Spartan Temples, This Cave Is Said to Lead to Hades
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, Belize
This Supposed Entrance to the Mayan Underworld Contained a Calcified Skeleton
Mount Etna, Italy
A Nearby Spring Is Said to Lead to the Underworld
Candelaria Caves, Guatemala
These Gorgeous Caves Were Another Entrance to the Mayan Afterlife
#1: Cave of the Sibyl
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Italy
The Cumaean Sibyl was a Greco-Roman priestess devoted to Apollo. The oracle was actually said to reside near Cumae, a Greek colony close to modern Naples—though an alternate location at Baiae has also been suggested. In addition to having the gift of prophecy, the Sibyl was also said to be a guide to the underworld. Her labyrinthine cave was described as having a hundred entrances, with one leading to the afterlife. The real cave doesn’t have that many ways to get in, though it is quite a distinctive site that will evoke plenty of awe and mystery. It’s certainly one worthy of the legend.
