Many cities across the globe are famous for their still-intact catacombs, from Rome and Paris to NYC and London. But did you know that catacombs exist right in our very own state?

That’s right, Indiana is home to one of the world’s only catacombs that remain intact and safe to visit and explore. The City Market Catacombs in Indianapolis, also commonly referred to as the Tomlinson Catacombs, lay underneath a bustling market, unknown to hundreds of passersby each day.

Payton Chung/Flickr
The City Market in Indianapolis looks like this above ground, with visitors completely unaware of the history beneath their feet. Underneath, it's quite a different story.
sciondriver/Flickr
The City Market Catacombs are the remains of Tomlinson Hall, a hall that was originally built in 1886, and was located directly next to the City Market. Tomlinson Hall was able to hold over 3,500 people. It served as a public meeting hall for decades. If you've never heard of Tomlinson Hall, it's actually the site where the first basketball game that was viewed in Indianapolis was held.
sciondriver/Flickr
sciondriver/Flickr
The catacombs beneath Tomlinson Hall were not used for religious purposes like traditional catacombs across the world. In fact, they were actually used to help the homeless stay warm and safe during cold Indiana nights in fall and winter.
sciondriver/Flickr

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Richie Diesterheft/Flickr
However, in 1958, tragedy struck and the hall burned to the ground, leaving only the arch that can still be viewed next to the City Market today, and the catacombs in the basement.
sciondriver/Flickr
Indiana Landmarks/Flickr
For years, the catacombs were left untouched and virtually abandoned and even after the City Market was up and running, it was difficult to get permission to view the catacombs. However, the public can now finally view this remarkable and truly unique structure.
sciondriver/Flickr
sciondriver/Flickr
For a better view of these amazing catacombs, watch this walking tour video by Tiffany Benedict Berkson, produced by "Hi Indy."

Tours of the catacombs are open from May through October and cost $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12. Children under 5 get in for free. If you’re interested in viewing the City Market Catacombs, purchase tickets here and be sure to check back around Halloween when the catacombs are sometimes open for City Market Halloween parties.

Have you ever been to visit the Indianapolis City Market Catacombs? Did you know something so unique existed within our state?

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