Longmen Grottoes UNESCO Site Plans 2025 Public Opening

Several articles explore the intriguing history and existence of secret or hidden architectural features. A North Carolina congressman highlighted a secret, sealed stairwell in the U.S. Capitol that once served as a public entrance and was notably used by the British to enter and burn the building in 1814. In Mysore, India, a network of British-era underground railway tunnels was constructed for military and strategic purposes, connecting significant locations like the Mysore Palace and military bases. Additionally, hidden rooms and secret passageways, a phenomenon dating back centuries, are explored by experts who build and study these concealed spaces in unexpected places. These stories reflect a broader fascination with secret or hidden architectural elements that combine historical importance with mystery and security. Meanwhile, the Longmen Grottoes and Roman history in Britain, though historically significant, do not focus on secret architectural elements and are thus not included in this summary.