Text by Alex
When you visit a tourist attraction, do you spend 10 minutes taking “I was here” photos and then leave in a hurry? Or do you walk around and take detailed shots from every angle? Tomas Sentpetery, a photographer from London, encourages people to “Look Deeper” and discover the lesser-known aspects of things.
Recently, Tomas collaborated with Nikon Europe to explore many famous European tourist attractions. This time, he focused on the underground scenes beneath these sites. When juxtaposed with their above-ground counterparts, these underground views may leave you wondering: could parallel universes really exist?
London, UK – Big Ben
Beneath London’s Big Ben lies the disused Aldwych Underground Station. Opened in 1907, it served as an air raid shelter and storage for museum collections during wartime. Due to high maintenance costs, the station was closed in 1994. Today, various groups still use it for training activities, and museums offer guided tours there.
London, UK – St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel
The historic St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel is situated above the former postal railway of the London Postal Museum. Operating from 1927 to 2003, this railway reportedly cost up to £1.2 million per day to run. It has now been turned into a museum where visitors can even ride on vintage postal trains.
Kraków, Poland
Kraków is an ancient city, with the Basilica of the Virgin Mary being the tallest church in the city center. Go underground, and you’ll find the stunning Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Paris, France – Eiffel Tower
Beneath this world-famous landmark lies a crypt housing the remains of over 6 million people. The catacombs were built to alleviate the overcrowding in the city's cemeteries.
Guadix, Spain – Barrio de Cuevas
Located in southern Spain, Barrio de Cuevas in Guadix is the largest cave settlement in Europe, with about 2,000 underground dwellings and a population of approximately 3,000. Known as the Trogloditas, locals have lived in these caves for centuries.
Naples, Italy – Bourbon Tunnel
Commissioned in 1853 by Emperor Ferdinand II of the Roman Empire, the Bourbon Tunnel was originally intended as an emergency escape route for Naples’ Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale), though it was never completed. During World War II, the tunnel served as an air raid shelter and military hospital.
As Tomas puts it, there is always a hidden side beyond the world we know. He chose popular tourist attractions as his subjects to capture unexpected imagery. He also suggests doing some research before traveling so that you can see more deeply. With a spirit of adventure and the right tools, it’s not hard to capture amazing travel photos.
Source: Nikon Europe, Insider