The Oppenheim Labyrinth

1 - Oppenheim is a small town in Rhineland-Palatinate. It has a population of just over 7,500. The town lies on a slope near the Rhine, which flows east of the town. Oppenheim is not far from Mainz and Worms. The town is especially well known for its historic and significant St. Catherine’s Church and for the fine wine produced in the surrounding area. 2 - On November 4, 1986, a strange accident took place in Oppenheim. An early-rising resident called the police because he had heard unexplained noises. As the patrol car stopped outside the house, it suddenly sank into the ground. A four-meter-deep hole opened up right next to the car. Fortunately, no one inside was hurt. 3 - The accident reminded the town of something some people had forgotten: beneath the houses in Oppenheim’s old town is a maze of cellars, vaults and passageways, some of which have been there for centuries. Somehow, everything underground is connected. 4 - People set about clearing this underground maze of rubble and rubbish, stabilizing the walls and ceilings, and protecting streets and houses from collapse. The Oppenheim Cellar Labyrinth is now even open to visitors. 5 - Altogether, the passageways are about 40 kilometers long. They lie on several levels. Even residents who have lived in Oppenheim for a long time are not sure they know all the underground routes. 6 - No one knows exactly how this labyrinth came about. The ground beneath the town of Oppenheim consists of a mixture of clay and sand. You can build houses on this ground, but it is also easy to dig holes and cavities into it. The residents seem to have done plenty of that over the past 800 years. 6 - They built cellars beneath their houses to store beer, food and goods for trade. It was always cool there. They dug deeper and deeper, creating routes between the cavities and hidden exits. 7 - In times of war, the system made a great place to hide. As recently as the Second World War, the town’s residents sought refuge in the cellar labyrinth to shelter from aircraft and bombs. Today, the cellars are once again used mainly for storage. And because there is plenty of wine in Oppenheim and the surrounding area, some cellars have been converted into places for celebrations. - Images: Hamsterkiste