Throughout history, the concept of hell has captivated and terrified humanity. Across cultures, specific locations have been identified as gateways to the underworld. Whether natural wonders or human-made structures, these places have become associated with death, the afterlife, and the supernatural. Here are ten real-world locations rumored to be entrances to hell that you can visit, if you dare.
Alepotrypa Cave, Greece
Alepotrypa, meaning “Foxhole,” is a vast cave system in Greece speculated to be the inspiration for the myth of Hades. Its dark depths and subterranean lake, believed to be a crossing point to the afterlife, contribute to its eerie reputation.
Lost for millennia, the cave was rediscovered by a hunter whose dog was chasing a fox. Archaeological findings reveal that it served as a burial and ritual site around 6,000 years ago. The remains of 170 individuals, along with pottery and other offerings, have been unearthed, including a couple found embracing, ready for their journey to the next world, making it a fascinating yet spooky destination.
Actun Tunichil Muknal, Belize
Actun Tunichil Muknal in Belize was once thought to be Xibalba, the Mayan Underworld. The Mayans conducted rituals here, including sacrifices of humans, pottery, and fire. Victims were brought into the cave, their skulls cracked, and left to die, their spirits believed to cross over.
To reach the site, visitors must wade through neck-deep water and navigate narrow passages. Over time, the cave has become encrusted with sparkling crystals due to mineral deposits from the water, binding the skeletons of sacrificial victims to the cave floor. The most famous of these skeletons is known as the Crystal Maiden, creating a haunting and unforgettable sight.
Plutonium, Turkey
In Hierapolis (modern Pamukkale, Turkey), lies Plutonium, also known as Pluto’s Gate, an entrance to the Greek Hades. The site, near the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, was called a “demon’s hole” by locals.
The Plutonium sits atop an opening that emits carbon dioxide. During excavations, the deadly effect of these emissions became clear as birds that flew too close suffocated and died. Ancient writers described this place, but its rediscovery confirms its deadly reputation, making it a chillingly real entrance to the underworld.
Masaya Volcano, Nicaragua
When Spanish Conquistadors arrived in Nicaragua, they encountered the erupting Masaya Volcano. They promptly named it “La Boca del Infierno” (The Mouth of Hell) and planted a cross on the crater’s rim to exorcise the devil.
The local population, however, believed that the volcano was a god and sacrificed children and women into the lava to end droughts. Sulfur dioxide emissions further contributed to the perception of Masaya as a hellish place. Friars wrote about the volcano’s fire as supernatural and hellish, solidifying its reputation as an entrance to the underworld.
Lake Pergusa, Sicily
Sicily’s Lake Pergusa is another location tied to the underworld. According to mythology, it was here that Hades abducted Persephone, the daughter of the harvest goddess Ceres, and dragged her to the Underworld. The poet Ovid wrote how Persephone was playing by the lake when Hades seized her.
Ceres’ grief caused the earth to become barren until a compromise was reached: Persephone would spend six months above ground (spring and summer) and six months below with Hades (autumn and winter). Thus, each spring, she rises from hell through Lake Pergusa, linking this serene lake to the realm of the dead.
Door to Hell, Turkmenistan
The Darvaza Crater in Turkmenistan, also known as the “Door to Hell,” is a constantly burning natural gas field. Although its origins are modern, dating back to a Soviet exploration in 1971, its fiery spectacle is undeniable.
During a search for natural gas, explorers discovered a hole releasing noxious gases and decided to burn them off. The crater ignited and has been burning ever since. The Door to Hell has become a tourist attraction in an otherwise desolate area, and the heat attracts spiders, many of whom tumble into the pit, adding to its eerie allure.
Hells of Beppu, Japan
The Hells of Beppu are a collection of hot springs in Japan, a designated Place of Scenic Beauty easily accessible by bus. Situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Beppu features steaming pools of boiling water and colorful muds that resemble the Buddhist concept of jigoku, or hells.
These “hells” range from the beautifully blue Sea Hell to the crimson Blood Pond Hell. Despite their picturesque nature, there is a darker side. In the past, these scalding waters were used for torture and execution, adding a grim layer to their scenic beauty.
Fengdu Ghost City, China
On Ming Mountain in China lies Fengdu, the City of Ghosts, a complex of temples and shrines associated with the afterlife. The mountain’s association began when Yin and Wang, seekers of wisdom, became immortals. The combination of their names, Yinwang, means “king of hell,” leading to the city’s construction.
Visitors hoping to avoid hell must pass three tests: crossing the Nothing-To-Be-Done Bridge (only the virtuous succeed), facing judgment at Ghost Torturing Pass, and balancing on one leg for three minutes on a stone (the evil will fall). With its trials and ghostly atmosphere, Fengdu offers a vivid glimpse into Chinese beliefs about the afterlife.
Cave of the Sibyl, Italy
In Cumae, Italy, lies the Cave of the Sibyl, home to the most famous of the ancient world’s female prophets. People sought out Sibyls to answer questions about the future under the influence of the gods.
In The Aeneid, Aeneas seeks the Sibyl of Cumae in her cave, where she tells him he must descend to the Underworld to found Rome. He journeys into the Earth and sees the spirits of the dead. The cave, described as having 100 mouths that amplify her prophecies, was discovered in 1932 and has numerous entrances, solidifying its link as a gateway to the realm of spirits.
Necromanteion of Ephyra, Greece
The Necromanteion of Ephyra is located near the point where three of Hades’ rivers meet: Acheron (“River of woe”), Pyriphlegethon (“Flaming with fire”), and Cocytus (“River of wailing”). It was here that the living sought to communicate with the dead across the Acheron River.
Seekers would cleanse themselves before being led through subterranean tunnels, past iron gates. In the darkness, they would see forms of the dead in the flickering lantern light. Excavations have revealed mechanisms potentially used to move human images, suggesting the priests of the Necromanteion may have been using more than just spirits to conjure their effects.
Further reading
If you haven’t satiated your appetite for hellish lists, look no further than our archives for more!
10 Visions Of Hell That Will Scare The Crap Out Of You
10 Fascinating Descriptions Of Hell
10 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About Satan
10 Real Places Straight Out Of A Nightmare
Would you dare to visit any of these entrances to hell? Let us know in the comments below!
