Plzeň Historical Underground

Beneath the old town of Plzeň runs one of the most extensive medieval underground systems in Central Europe. The network of tunnels, cellars, and chambers was dug from the 14th century onward — originally for food storage and beer aging, later expanded for escape routes and defence. The oldest sections are cut through natural sandstone; later extensions used brick. In total, the known passages run for about 17 kilometres under the city centre, though the full extent has never been precisely mapped.

Guided tours of the Plzeň Historical Underground depart from the visitor centre at Veleslavínova street, a couple of minutes' walk from Republic Square. The standard tour covers about 500 metres and takes 50 minutes, passing through low tunnels, vaulted chambers, and a well system used in medieval times. The temperature underground is a constant 10°C regardless of season — bring a layer even in summer. Tours run in Czech and English; booking in advance is recommended in summer. Combined tickets with the Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour are available.

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A story
The tunnel system began not as a military installation but as a medieval refrigeration system. Plzeň's burghers dug cellars beneath their houses to store food and, crucially, to age beer at a steady cool temperature. By the 17th century, the tunnels had been extended and interconnected until they formed a city-beneath-the-city stretching for kilometres. During the Thirty Years' War, they were used as escape routes and shelters; in the 20th century, some sections served as air-raid shelters. Only a fraction of the network is open to visitors today.

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