Welcome to Hell! The 5 Locations Around the Globe That Scientists Believe Could Be the Gates to the Underworld

“Go to hell!” We’ve all heard it, maybe even said it. But where exactly is this infamous place?

Throughout history, cultures worldwide have grappled with the idea of a physical hell. Ancient Egyptians believed in Duat, a treacherous underworld. Greeks imagined Hades, a gloomy realm ruled by its namesake god. Judeo-Christian traditions speak of Sheol or Gehenna, places of torment for the wicked.

While modern interpretations often view hell as a metaphorical state, five real-world locations continue to captivate our imagination as potential gateways to the underworld. From a scorching volcano in Iceland to a deadly cave in Turkey, these sites blur the line between myth and reality.

Surprisingly, scientists have uncovered rational explanations for some of these hellish phenomena. Toxic gas emissions, geological instabilities, and ancient cultural practices create these seemingly supernatural environments. Exploring these locations reveals fascinating folklore and provides insights into Earth’s geological processes and human psychology.

Gehenna, Israel
In his famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warned sinners about “Gehenna.” Many translations render this word “hell,” but Gehenna refers to a real place outside Jerusalem’s walls.

Valley of Hinnom, or Ge-Hinnom in Hebrew, lies southwest of the old city. Ancient Jews considered it an evil location steeped in dark history. According to biblical accounts, Israelites once practiced child sacrifice here, offering their young to the god Baal. Such horrific acts led many to believe God had cursed the ground, making it unfit for worship.

According to the Bible, “Ahaz burned incense in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and burned his children in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel. And he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree.” 2 Chronicles 28:3-4

Gehenna’s meaning evolved dramatically over time. From a physical valley, it transformed into a concept of eternal punishment. Biblical scholar Bart Ehrman suggests Jesus used Gehenna to evoke the worst fate imaginable – being denied a proper burial and left to rot in a desecrated dump. As translations spread, “Gehenna” became synonymous with “hell” in various languages.

Legends of perpetual fires in Gehenna may have inspired hell’s iconic flames. Some accounts claim the valley served as Jerusalem’s landfill, with constantly burning rubbish fires. However, archaeological evidence challenges this idea. Excavations have uncovered Roman-era dumps in northern Jerusalem but not in Gehenna.

Hierapolis, Turkey

Hierapolis, an ancient Roman city in modern-day Turkey, holds a deadly secret beneath its ruins. Emperor Tiberius founded this metropolis between 14 and 37 BC, with baths, a gymnasium, and a Byzantine church. Yet its most infamous feature is a portal to the underworld that can still claim lives today.

Archaeologists unearthed the Plutonium in a small cave-like grotto in 2011. Ancient philosopher Strabo described this eerie site 2,000 years ago, recounting how priests would lead sacrificial animals into the cave. Mysteriously, the animals would drop dead instantly while the priests emerged unharmed. Modern science has unraveled the Plutonium’s lethal power. Hierapolis sits atop an active volcanic fault line, releasing thick carbon dioxide clouds. At night, this deadly gas pools in the cave, creating a toxic environment.

In a study published in 2018, researchers from the University of Duisburg-Essen found that CO2 outside the temple entrance reached concentrations of 40-50 per cent. The authors write: ‘Astonishingly, these vapors are still emitted in concentrations that nowadays kill insects, birds, and mammals. ‘They reach concentrations during the night that would easily kill even a human being within a minute.’

The Plutonium remains a hazardous site. Visitors must exercise extreme caution, as the cave still emits potentially lethal concentrations of CO2. While no longer seen as a literal gateway to hell, the Plutonium serves as a stark reminder of nature’s hidden dangers and the thin line between life and death.

Hekla, Iceland

Hierapolis, an ancient Roman city in modern-day Turkey, harbors a deadly secret. Emperor Tiberius founded this bustling metropolis between 14 and 37 BC, with baths, a gymnasium, and even a Byzantine church. But beneath its ruins lies a portal to the underworld that can still claim lives today.

Archaeologists discovered the Plutonium a small cave-like grotto, in 2011. Ancient philosopher Strabo described this eerie site 2,000 years ago, recounting how priests would lead sacrificial animals into the cave, only for them to drop dead instantly while the priests emerged unharmed. Modern science has unraveled the mystery behind the Plutonium’s lethal power. Hierapolis sits atop an active volcanic fault line, releasing thick carbon dioxide clouds. At night, this deadly gas pools in the cave, creating a toxic environment.

Researchers from the University of Duisburg-Essen confirmed 2018 that CO2 concentrations outside the cave entrance reach 40-50%. These levels quickly kill insects, birds, and mammals within minutes. Ancient priests likely survived by keeping their heads above the gas layer, while shorter animals succumbed to the toxic fumes. Romans used the Plutonium for dramatic demonstrations, showcasing the “power of the gods” to awed spectators. Sacrificial animals would mysteriously die upon entering, while trained priests appeared immune to the cave’s deadly effects.

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave), Belize
Deep in the jungles of Belize lies Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM), a cave system shrouded in mystery and ancient Mayan beliefs. Archaeologists discovered this underground labyrinth in 1989, unveiling a treasure trove of historical significance. ATM stretches over three miles beneath the Earth, its winding passages adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors must swim and climb through tight spaces to reach their inner chambers, where the true wonders await.

Ancient Mayans believed ATM served as an entrance to Xibalba, their feared underworld ruled by death gods. This belief transformed the cave into a sacred site for rituals and sacrifices. Excavations have revealed grisly evidence of human sacrifices, including the remains of individuals as young as four years old. Most famously, researchers uncovered the “Crystal Maiden” – a skeleton so old its bones have crystallized into sparkling calcite. Scattered throughout the cave, archaeologists found ceramic vessels, stone tools, and other artifacts dating back to around 800 AD. These items offer crucial insights into Mayan religious practices and daily life.

Moyes and Awe posit that “It’s probably one of the most important archaeological caves in the world, in terms of its level of preservation and archaeological value. Mainly because it wasn’t looted,” said Moyes. “And it’s such an adventurous cave; just getting there you go through the jungle, you go through the water and you get to experience the path the Maya took to go there.”

Experts theorize that Mayans used ATM to reenact creation myths and appease the gods. Professor Holley Moyes suggests that human sacrifices increased during the late classic period as the civilization faced severe droughts and natural disasters. ATM’s dark history coincides with the decline of Mayan civilization in the 10th century. As environmental pressures mounted, desperate Mayans may have turned to increasingly extreme rituals in hopes of divine intervention.

St. Patrick’s Purgatory, Ireland

Nestled on Station Island in northwestern Ireland, St. Patrick’s Purgatory has shaped Christian beliefs about the afterlife for centuries. Medieval Europeans considered this remote spot the edge of the known world, adding to its mystical allure. Legend claims St. Patrick prayed for a way to convert Irish pagans, receiving a vision of a “pit of purgatory” in response. Anyone entering this chasm would experience visions of hellfire and monsters, providing a firsthand taste of damnation’s consequences.

Medieval texts pinpoint this pit on Station Island, where a monastery founded by St. Patrick’s disciple still stands. Early visitors reported finding a small cave filled with unearthly visions. Gerald of Wales wrote in the 12th century about nine pits where malignant spirits would seize those who dared spend the night. St. Patrick’s vision profoundly influenced Christian theology, helping cement the concept of purgatory – a temporary hell where souls could purge their sins before entering heaven. Pilgrims flocked to the site, hoping to glimpse the afterlife and cleanse their souls.

Over time, the site evolved. In 1790, officials filled in the original cave and replaced it with a more conventional chapel. Despite this change, pilgrims continue undertaking grueling visits to the island, seeking spiritual enlightenment through physical hardship. St. Patrick’s Purgatory has left an indelible mark on literature and culture. Dante Alighieri reportedly drew inspiration from accounts of the site for his “Divine Comedy.” The island’s reputation as a gateway to the afterlife has inspired countless stories, poems, and legends throughout European history.

Scientific and Cultural PerspectivesGates to Hell: Science, Psychology, and Tourist Traps
Geological processes often explain seemingly supernatural “hell-like” phenomena. Volcanic activity, like at Hekla in Iceland, produces fire, smoke, and ash reminiscent of traditional hell imagery. Underground gas emissions, as seen in Hierapolis, create deadly environments mimicking mythical underworld dangers. Caves and sinkholes like Actun Tunichil Muknal naturally evoke ideas of descending into an otherworldly realm.

Psychologically, belief in physical hell locations stems from our need to make sense of the unknown and face mortality. These sites provide tangible focal points for abstract concepts of afterlife punishment, allowing people to confront fears in a controlled manner. Rituals and pilgrimages associated with these locations can offer catharsis and a sense of spiritual cleansing.

Anthropologists note that underworld concepts exist across diverse cultures, often sharing common themes. Many societies envision a subterranean realm for the dead, reflecting universal human experiences with burial and the mystery of what lies beneath the earth’s surface.

According to Ali Kellog: ”Hell is embedded into our lives, whether we believe in it or not. It’s a place mutually visited by every person’s imagination that has been exposed to an Abrahamic society. It’s a place we condemn undesirables to, a place we reference to instill fear and obedience, a place we devotionally protect our loved ones from being exiled to.”

Economically, “gates to hell” significantly impact local tourism. Hierapolis and Actun Tunichil Muknal draw curious visitors, boosting regional economies. However, this influx can pose conservation challenges. St. Patrick’s Purgatory attracts pilgrims, supporting local businesses while maintaining religious significance. Balancing tourism, preservation, and respect for cultural beliefs remains an ongoing challenge for communities hosting these sites.

Inferno’s Edge: Where Myths Still Burn
Gates to Hell continues to captivate our imagination, blending ancient myths with modern scientific understanding. These five locations—from Gehenna’s cursed valley to Hekla’s fiery peak—offer more than just thrilling tales. They provide valuable insights into geological processes, cultural beliefs, and human psychology.

Our fascination with these sites reveals an enduring need to confront mortality and explore the unknown. Whether viewed through a lens of faith, science, or pure curiosity, these “entrances to the underworld” challenge us to question our beliefs and expand our understanding of the world around us.

While we may no longer view these places as literal gateways to eternal damnation, their ability to inspire awe, fear, and wonder remains undiminished. They testify to the enduring power of myth and the human spirit’s endless quest for knowledge and understanding.