Some cities are so large and diverse that they contain smaller cities within them. These hidden worlds often have their own history, culture, and identity that set them apart from the rest of the metropolis. Here are 10 examples of cities within cities that you may not have heard of.
1. Kowloon Walled City, Hong Kong
Kowloon Walled City was a densely populated enclave in Hong Kong that existed from the late 19th century until 1994. It was originally a Chinese military fort that became a lawless haven for refugees, criminals, and squatters. At its peak, it housed about 50,000 people in a 6.4-acre area, making it one of the most crowded places on earth. The city was notorious for its poor living conditions, rampant crime, and illicit activities such as gambling, prostitution, and drug trafficking. It was demolished in 1994 and replaced by a park.
2. Vatican City, Rome
Vatican City is the smallest sovereign state in the world, with an area of 0.17 square miles and a population of about 800. It is located within the city of Rome and is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. It is also home to some of the world’s most famous art and architecture, such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. Vatican City has its own currency, postal service, radio station, and army (the Swiss Guard).
3. Christiania, Copenhagen
Christiania is a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood in Copenhagen that was founded in 1971 by a group of hippies who occupied an abandoned military barracks. It has since evolved into a colorful and controversial community of about 850 residents who live by their own rules and values. Christiania is known for its artistic and ecological projects, its alternative lifestyle, and its open cannabis trade. It is also a popular tourist attraction, despite being in conflict with the Danish government over its legal status.
4. Cité Soleil, Port-au-Prince
Cité Soleil is one of the largest and poorest slums in the Western Hemisphere, located in the outskirts of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. It has an estimated population of 200,000 to 400,000 people who live in makeshift shacks without access to basic services such as water, electricity, sanitation, and health care. Cité Soleil is also plagued by violence, gang warfare, and political unrest. It was severely affected by the 2010 earthquake that devastated Haiti and has received little aid or attention from the international community.
5. Dharavi, Mumbai
Dharavi is one of the largest and most densely populated slums in Asia, located in the heart of Mumbai, India. It has an estimated population of over one million people who live in an area of less than one square mile. Dharavi is a hub of informal economic activity, producing goods such as leather, pottery, textiles, and recycling materials. It is also a vibrant and diverse community that boasts its own schools, clinics, temples, mosques, and churches. Dharavi has been featured in several films and documentaries, such as Slumdog Millionaire.
6. La Candelaria, Bogotá
La Candelaria is the historic center of Bogotá, Colombia’s capital city. It is a district that preserves the colonial architecture and culture of the city’s origins. It is also a cultural hotspot that hosts many museums, theaters, libraries, and universities. La Candelaria is known for its street art, its bohemian atmosphere, and its nightlife. It is also a place of political significance, as it witnessed many events that shaped Colombia’s history, such as the Bogotazo riot and the Palace of Justice siege.
7. Shibam, Yemen
Shibam is an ancient city in Yemen that dates back to the 3rd century AD. It is famous for its distinctive skyline of mud-brick skyscrapers that rise up to 16 stories high. These buildings are among the oldest examples of urban planning and vertical construction in the world. Shibam is also known as “the Manhattan of the desert” or “the Chicago of the East”. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that faces threats from erosion, floods, and armed conflicts.
8. Intramuros, Manila
Intramuros is the oldest district and historic core of Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. It was founded by the Spanish colonizers in the late 16th century and served as their political, religious, and cultural center until the end of their rule in 1898. It was surrounded by a massive stone wall that gave it its name, which means “within the walls” in Spanish. Intramuros is rich in heritage and contains many landmarks, such as Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, and San Agustin Church. It was heavily damaged during World War II but has since been restored and revitalized.
9. Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain, Berlin
Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain is a district in Berlin that combines two former boroughs that were divided by the Berlin Wall. It is now one of the most diverse and dynamic areas of the city, known for its multiculturalism, creativity, and activism. It is home to many immigrants, artists, students, and alternative subcultures. It is also famous for its street art, its nightlife, and its landmarks, such as Checkpoint Charlie, the East Side Gallery, and Oberbaum Bridge.
10. Gunkanjima (Hashima Island), Japan
Gunkanjima (meaning “Battleship Island”) is an abandoned island in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. It was once a thriving coal mining town that housed over 5,000 people in a densely packed area of concrete buildings. It was also one of the first places to use reinforced concrete as a construction material in Japan. It earned its nickname because of its resemblance to a warship. It was deserted in 1974 after the coal reserves ran out and has since become a ghost town and a tourist attraction.
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