15 SCARY HIDDEN ROOMS

  • 3 months ago
15 SCARY HIDDEN ROOMS
Transcript
00:00Everyone, these mysterious spaces tucked away in everything from lavish mansions to cozy
00:05homes serve a variety of purposes, from private retreats and safe havens to speakeasies and
00:11treasure troves.
00:12Let's start with number 15, the Vanderbilt Tennis Club.
00:15Hidden, high above the bustling commuters of the Grand Central Terminal lies one of
00:19New York City's best-kept secrets, the Vanderbilt Tennis Club.
00:23Since the 1960s, there have been tennis courts nestled in the upper levels of this iconic
00:28landmark, but few people know of their existence.
00:31The history of this exclusive athletic facility dates back to the establishment of the Vanderbilt
00:35Athletic Club in the 1960s.
00:37Originally, the club featured two clay tennis courts and, oddly enough, a 65-foot indoor
00:42ski slope.
00:43However, by the 1980s, the club had fallen into disrepair.
00:47Enter Donald Trump, who in 1984 leased the space through a series of favorable real estate
00:52deals.
00:54floor annex into an ultra-exclusive tennis and fitness club for the elite, where movie
00:59stars and celebrities could play in privacy.
01:02Payments were strictly in cash, adding to the clandestine nature of this place.
01:06The courts operated quietly until 2009, when the lease finally ended, and the space was
01:11converted into a lounge for MTA workers.
01:14Yet the legacy of tennis at Grand Central was far from over.
01:18In 2011, the Vanderbilt Tennis Club opened the fourth floor of the terminal.
01:22This new facility features a regulation-sized tennis court, practice courts, and other
01:26limited fitness services.
01:28While not as exclusive as Trump's club, the costs remain quite steep, ranging from $100
01:33to $250 an hour, catering to those who can afford it.
01:37But hey, I guess that's New York.
01:4014.
01:41BOSTON BODEGA Hidden in plain sight behind the facade of
01:46a seemingly ordinary corner store lies Bodega, a high-end clothing store catering to the
01:51city's trendiest youth.
01:53The store's unassuming exterior masks its true identity, blending in seamlessly to the
01:59urban landscape and making it almost impossible to spot unless you're in the know.
02:03From the outside, Bodega looks like any other convenience store, its windows cluttered with
02:07dusty non-perishables, and the interior is packed with snacks and household items, creating
02:13a chaotic visual assault of brand names.
02:16However, those who are privy to its secrets simply navigate through this clutter and head
02:20to the back of the shop, where an old Snapple machine stands.
02:24This Snapple machine, however, is not what it seems.
02:27It's actually a hidden door that slides open to reveal Bodega's true essence.
02:31Inside, you'll find a sleek space with lacquered shelves displaying the latest in streetwear
02:35and skate fashion.
02:37From shoes to shirts to jackets, the neatly organized merchandise stands in stark contrast
02:42to the noisy storefront.
02:44Bodega's existence is not advertised outside, and it has no phone numbers for inquiries.
02:49If you're a fashion enthusiast looking for exclusive gear, you must rely on word-of-mouth
02:54to discover this hidden gem, so next time you're walking the streets, remember that
02:57behind some of the most unremarkable storefronts, there could be a secret world waiting to be
03:02discovered.
03:0313.
03:04Alhambra's Secret Tunnels The Alhambra, Spain's iconic Moorish fortress,
03:11is renowned for its stunning architecture.
03:13Yet beneath its exterior lies a labyrinth of secret passages and tunnels that have recently
03:18reignited public intrigue.
03:20These subterranean networks hidden from the eye from the many tourists who visit the fortress
03:24each year are subject to both historical curiosity and modern-day fascination.
03:29So forget a hidden room, this is a whole hidden system of tunnels.
03:35Standing with the ancient Albaicin neighborhood behind you and the Alhambra's imposing walls
03:39before you, you're separated from the fortress by the Daro River.
03:43This river meanders through central Granada, flanked by lush banks and ancient bridges.
03:48If you look closely at the steep hillside beneath Alhambra, you might notice a small
03:52iron gate almost obscured by grass and ivy.
03:55These unassuming gates mark the entrance to what is believed to be an extensive network
03:59of underground tunnels.
04:01Historians believe that Alhambra's subterranean network has served multiple purposes.
04:06Research has revealed at least 21 underground dungeons, accessible only through small openings
04:10in their ceilings and interconnected by a maze-like web of narrow tunnels.
04:15These tunnels allowed the fortress's residents to move unseen, and some tunnels were used
04:19to store food such as wheat and grain, while others, according to more colorful theories,
04:24transported exotic animals to entertain the Moorish royalty of Granada.
04:2812.
04:30FLINDERS STREET STATION BALLROOM The busiest railway hub in all of Australia
04:35harbors a hidden gem that most of its nearly 100,000 daily travelers have no clue even
04:41exists.
04:42A decaying yet magnificent ballroom, a vestige from the golden age of railroads.
04:48While the station buzzes with commuters, the old third-floor ballroom, shuttered from the
04:52public since 1985, remains a mysterious and elusive space.
04:57Designed in 1899 by James Fawcett and H.P.C.
05:00Ashworth, Flinders Street Station opened in 1910 and swiftly became a Melbourne icon.
05:06The ballroom space was originally the lecture hall of the Victorian Railways Institute,
05:10an organization aimed at betterment of railway staff.
05:13This institute offered night courses, a lending library, and physical fitness classes.
05:17It also had many men-only areas, including a billiard room, table tennis facilities,
05:23and a private gym.
05:24The ballroom experienced its heyday in the 1950s and 60s when it hosted public dances
05:29that filled the hall with life and music.
05:32Though the public dances and other amenities have long since faded into history, the ballroom
05:36itself stands quietly.
05:38As of 2017, Flinders Street Station is poised for a major overhaul and renovation, including
05:43a restoration to its early 20th century color scheme.
05:47The Victorian government has developed a business plan to revive it, with hopes to breathe new
05:51life into this forgotten space.
05:5411.
05:55TRAFALGAR SQUARE POLICE STATION Located discreetly at the southeast corner
06:00of Trafalgar Square lies a curious and often-overlooked marvel, Britain's smallest police station.
06:06This diminutive structure, a world record holder, might easily escape notice if one
06:11isn't in the know.
06:12Built in 1926 by the Metropolitan Police, the station's primary function was to keep
06:17watch over the occasional tumultuous demonstrations in the square.
06:21It was ingeniously housed within an ornamental light fitting, a strategic choice made after
06:26objections arose regarding a planned renovation of a nearby temporary police box.
06:31This interior of the light fitting was hollowed out to accommodate one police officer equipped
06:36with narrow windows, providing a clear view across Trafalgar Square.
06:40Today, the station no longer serves its original purpose.
06:43Instead, it's been repurposed as a broom cupboard for Westminster Council cleaners.
06:48Despite its diminutive size and change in use, the station's historical charm persists.
06:53Legend even suggests that the ornamental light atop the station dates back to 1826, though
06:58it's actually a bude light designed by Sir Goldsworthy Gurney, widely installed across
07:02London and within the Houses of Parliament.
07:0610.
07:07Flask and Press In the heart of Old Shanghai's French Concession
07:11District, nestled within the unassuming facade of the Press Sandwich Shop, lies a hidden
07:15gem known as the Flask and Press.
07:18While the sandwich shop attracts a steady stream of locals and those in the know, it
07:22never appears overcrowded, hinting at something more within its confines, and it's all concealed
07:28behind an innocuous Coke vending machine.
07:31The vending machine itself is a throwback to decades past, its mid-century design standing
07:36out in the modern landscape.
07:37However, it harbors a secret.
07:39With the deft twist of its coin return, the front panel swings open, revealing an entrance
07:43to a cozy and dimly lit cocktail bar.
07:46The Flask and Press retains a unique allure.
07:49Even amidst the current proliferation of trendy speakeasies, Flask and Press retains a unique
07:54allure.
07:55It captures the essence of discovering a hidden world, reminiscent of the Prohibition era's
07:59clandestine allure, where the mere act of finding and entering such a place felt like
08:04uncovering a forbidden secret.
08:06The contrast between the sandwich shop's bright, bustling exterior and the intimate, moody
08:10ambiance of the bar hidden behind the Coke machine is striking.
08:14Every detail, from the carefully crafted cocktails to the meticulously designed decor by Alberto
08:19Caiola, contributes to the bar's mystique.
08:22But ultimately, what makes a visit to Flask and Press so captivating is its ability to
08:26unveil layers of personality and ambiance throughout the evening.
08:30It's not just about having a couple at the end of the day, it's about immersing yourself
08:34in an experience that combines nostalgia, secrecy, and the thrill of exploration, all
08:39beneath one of the busiest cities in the world.
08:439.
08:44Royal Pavilion at Stazione Centrale This pavilion in Milan is a hidden marvel
08:50amid the daily hustle and bustle of one of Italy's busiest railway stations.
08:54It was designed in the early 1900s, and it underwent several modifications during Mussolini's
08:59regime, including the addition of a luxurious waiting room for the Italian royal family.
09:05Despite the monarchy's abolition after World War II, the Royal Pavilion remains intact,
09:09tucked away behind unassuming closed doors that thousands pass by each day without realizing.
09:15This exclusive retreat spans about two levels.
09:17The ground floor, once adorned with fascist symbols that have since been removed, serves
09:22as an anteroom to the opulent upper level.
09:24Ascending to the first floor, visitors are greeted by a sumptuous room that overlooks
09:28the railway tracks.
09:30The interior has marble finishes in various architectural styles, sculptures depicting
09:34royal emblems, and elegant furnishings.
09:37A balcony offers a view of the bustling public square outside, and a stark contrast to the
09:41serenity within.
09:43The main room, originally intended for the visit by fellow heads of state, although never
09:47actually used, features a subtle swastika in the wood flooring, a relic of a tumultuous
09:53time.
09:54While typically it's closed to the public, the Royal Pavilion occasionally opens its
09:57doors for special events and photo sessions.
10:00Passers-by can only peer at the ornate doors, but those who will look up will notice three
10:04lunettes depicting historical moments, including a fictitious meeting between Mussolini and
10:09King Vittorio Emanuele III, minus Mussolini's eyes, allegedly shot out by a rifle after
10:16Mussolini's regime fell.
10:188.
10:20LEONARDO DA VINCI STATUE The giant statue of Leonardo da Vinci in
10:24Rome's airport, unveiled in 1960, stands as a tribute to one of the greatest minds
10:29the world has ever known.
10:31Crafted by Bulgarian artist Asen Pekhov, the 60-foot bronze sculpture atop a marble base
10:36features Leonardo holding his famous aerial screw design.
10:41Over four decades, the statue has stood as a prominent landmark at the airport, admired
10:45by millions of travelers.
10:46However, it wasn't until 2006, during a renovation, that a remarkable secret within
10:51the statue was discovered.
10:53During the renovation work, a worker made a surprising discovery, a small hatch situated
10:57about 30 feet above the ground, roughly midway up the statue.
11:01Curious about its purpose, the hatch was carefully opened, revealing two well-preserved parchments
11:06inside.
11:07One of the parchments, written in classical Latin, detailed the history of the area where
11:11the airport now stands, tracing back to ancient times.
11:14This historical account provides insights into the geographical and environmental changes
11:19over the centuries.
11:20A second parchment contained a list of individuals who attended the statue's unveiling ceremony
11:24in 1960.
11:25The discovery sparked intrigue and speculation about the purpose of the hidden compartment
11:30and its contents.
11:32It's presumed the sculptor may have orchestrated the placement of the hatch and parchments,
11:36but the reasons behind it remain shrouded in mystery.
11:40Since its discovery, efforts have been ongoing to verify the authenticity and significance
11:44of the parchments, shedding light on the historical intentions of the artist.
11:48Despite its hidden nature, though, occasional observers can be seen examining the statue
11:52with binoculars, unaware of the mystery concealed within, adding a bit of an element of fascination
11:58to an already iconic landmark at the airport.
12:02Moving on to number 7, Fort Washington Library.
12:06The Fort Washington branch of the New York Public Library holds a hidden gem, a mysterious
12:11and somewhat forlorn secret apartment.
12:15Located atop the library, this space is a stark contrast to the lively lower levels
12:19with its own unique story and atmosphere.
12:22Ascending the stairway to the top floor feels like entering a different era.
12:26The atmosphere changes dramatically from the bright open spaces below to a more secluded
12:31environment.
12:32The walls bear the marks of time, with peeling paint and signs of neglect, yet hint at the
12:37grandeur that once existed in this forgotten realm.
12:41This apartment's origins trace back to the early 20th century, when Andrew Carnegie's
12:45philanthropy fueled the creation of public library branches across New York.
12:50Custodians and their families often resided within the libraries themselves, blending
12:53their living quarters with the literary sanctuaries they maintained.
12:58Over the decades, as coal furnaces became obsolete and custodians retired, these library
13:03apartments gradually emptied out.
13:05Today, only 13 such apartments remain within the New York Public Library system.
13:09The Ford Washington apartment, though vacant and somewhat neglected, retains traces of
13:14its former charm.
13:16Despite its lonely and somewhat eerie atmosphere, this space holds a certain allure for those
13:21who uncover its existence.
13:24Ascending to an empty floor within a busy library feels like discovering a hidden chapter
13:28of history, where the whispers of the past mingle with the solitude of the present, inviting
13:33contemplation and curiosity about lives lived within those walls long ago.
13:396.
13:41RADIO CITY MUSIC HOME An iconic beacon of Art Deco grandeur in New
13:46York City has enchanted over 300 million visitors since its grand opening in 1932.
13:52This majestic venue has hosted countless spectacular performances and events under its shimmering
13:57gold-leaf ceilings, luxurious drapes, and stunning murals.
14:01At the heart of Radio City's allure was Samuel Roxy Rothefeld, a legendary theater impresario
14:06known for his flair and opulence.
14:09Roxy was instrumental in shaping Radio City's early success, and to honor his contributions
14:13and express their gratitude, Stone & Desky created a gift for Roxy high above the dazzling
14:19theater stage ā€“ an exquisite apartment.
14:22With soaring 20-foot ceilings adorned in gold leaf and walls draped in plush fabrics, the
14:28apartment exuded an air of luxury and glamour.
14:31Here, Roxy entertained luminaries of the era such as Olivia de Havilland, Samuel Goldwyn,
14:37and Alfred Hitchcock, offering them a private retreat.
14:40However, after Roxy's passing in 1936, the apartment fell into obscurity, quietly resting
14:45high above the theater.
14:47For its decades, its existence remained a mystery within the cavernous Radio City Music
14:51Hall, untouched and largely forgotten.
14:54Today, while no longer a residence, the apartment, now known as the Roxy Suite, has found new
14:59life as an exclusive venue for luxury events.
15:02It offers a rare glimpse into the opulent world of 1930s New York, where guests can
15:07sip cocktails beneath the same golden ceilings that once hosted Hollywood stars.
15:125.
15:14THE EIFFEL TOWER APARTMENT
15:16Gracing Paris for over 130 years, the Eiffel Tower has become an enduring symbol of this
15:21city of light, attracting millions of visitors annually who come to marvel at this iconic
15:26wrought iron structure.
15:28While many are captivated by the tower's history, few realize that Gustave Eiffel,
15:31the ingenious engineer behind its construction, once called the highest point his home.
15:37Designed by Eiffel's own architecture firm, completed in 1889 for the Exposition Universelle,
15:42for the Eiffel Tower was not just a feat of engineering, but also a bold statement of
15:46modernity and progress.
15:49This secret apartment is tucked away at the topmost level, just below the tower's spire.
15:53This unique living space, spanning approximately 1,000 square feet, was strategically nestled
15:58amidst the technical installations crucial for the tower's operation, including the
16:02elevator shaft and stairwell access.
16:05Eiffel's apartment, while lacking a bathroom, was designed to offer comfort and functionality.
16:09It had a kitchen, bathroom, and living room adorned with plush furnishings.
16:14Velvet-cushioned chairs, wooden tables, and patterned wallpaper all adorned the space,
16:19creating a cozy retreat high above the streets.
16:21Beyond the domestic comforts, though, it served as a sanctuary for scientific endeavors and
16:26intellectual exchanges.
16:27Here, Eiffel conducted experiments and welcomed esteemed guests, including the renowned American
16:32inventor Thomas Edison.
16:34Their meetings in this lofty abode epitomized the intersection of engineering and creativity.
16:40Despite its historical significance, Eiffel's private quarters remained shrouded in mystery
16:44for decades, inaccessible to the public.
16:47It was a place of intrigue, where privileged few could glimpse into the personal life of
16:51the man who dared to build the world's tallest structure at that time.
16:54Today, however, the visitors here can experience a glimpse of that hidden history through a
16:59reconstructed version of Eiffel's apartment.
17:02Positioned behind glass panels, the apartment's interior is faithfully recreated, complete
17:06with lifelike wax figures of Gustav Eiffel, his daughter Claire, and Thomas Edison.
17:11This exhibit not only preserves the ambiance of Eiffel's private retreat, but it also offers
17:15insights into his multifaceted persona, a blend of scientific rigor, artistic sensibility,
17:21social refinement, and one good damn view.
17:254.
17:26THE MONT SAINT-ODILE ABBEY
17:28This abbey, also known as Hohenberg Abbey, is a historic nunnery situated on Mont Saint-Odile,
17:34one of the most renowned peaks in the Vosges mountain ranges in the Alsace region of France.
17:38It was founded in the year 690 by a duke for his daughter Odile, who became its first abbess.
17:44The abbey has a rich history and a mysterious allure.
17:47Its past includes the construction of a hospice called the NiedermĆ¼nster on the eastern slope,
17:52later becoming a house for noblewomen.
17:54In 2003, a local teacher confessed to the theft of over a thousand ancient and rare
17:59books from the abbey's locked private library.
18:02This theft was made possible by his discovery and use of a hidden passageway within the
18:07abbey.
18:08He stumbled upon a map of these secret passages in the city archives, revealing a forgotten
18:13medieval network of corridors and stairways.
18:16These hidden routes allowed him to climb the exterior walls, navigate through the abbey,
18:20and access the library undetected.
18:23The abbey is perched 2,500 feet up in the Vosges mountains and is surrounded by ancient
18:28fortifications.
18:29The abbey itself dates back to the 7th century.
18:32Most of the buildings have been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, most recently
18:35in the 1600s and again in 1583.
18:39The thefts continued for two years, during which the library, firmly locked and off-limits
18:43to the public, was raided repeatedly.
18:46The means and method remained a mystery until police blocked the exterior windows and replaced
18:50the locks, suspecting another entrance to the room.
18:54The secret was finally uncovered when a section of the bookcase swung open, revealing a hidden
18:58space.
18:59This secret entrance led to a medieval passageway with rope ladders extending up to the roof
19:04and to other parts of the abbey more accessible to the public.
19:08To catch the thief, the police set up hidden cameras and eventually arrested the criminal,
19:11who was found carrying climbing rope and three suitcases full of books.
19:15All of the stolen books were found safely in his apartment.
19:18He was fined, given a suspended prison sentence, and assigned community service.
19:22In his own words, he explained his actions,
19:25I'm afraid my burning passion overrode my conscience.
19:27It may appear selfish, but I felt the books had been abandoned.
19:31They were covered with dust and pigeon droppings, and I felt no one consulted them anymore.
19:35There was also the thrill of adventure.
19:37I was very scared of being found out.
19:40Number 3.
19:41Mount Rushmore's Hall of Records Deep within the granite facade of Mount Rushmore,
19:46beneath the stoic faces of four American presidents, lies a secret that seems plucked from the
19:50pages of a Bond villain's lair, an abandoned Hall of Records, envisioned by sculptor Gutzon
19:56Borglum as an example of American history and a repository for its most cherished documents.
20:03This monumental time capsule was intended to stand 80 feet tall and 100 feet long, lined
20:08with brass cabinets housing copies of pivotal American artifacts, the Declaration of Independence,
20:13the Constitution, and the records of significant cultural, scientific, and industrial achievements.
20:19The project started in 1938 with dynamite blasting an impressive 70-foot-long cavern
20:23deep into Mount Rushmore.
20:25However, bureaucratic caution intervened, and Borglum was compelled to complete the
20:29sculptural portraits of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln before advancing further
20:34with the Hall.
20:35For decades, the dormant chamber remained untouched, and it wasn't until 1998 that
20:39the Hall of Records saw a modest realization of his vision, 16 porcelain panels delicately
20:45inscribed with the history of Mount Rushmore's construction.
20:48These panels, sealed within a teak box and further protected by a titanium vault, are
20:53not merely for contemporary consumption, but they do serve as a time capsule, intended
20:58to convey Borglum's original intentions to future generations.
21:02Imagine a dramatic scene, a hidden switch, a concealed door behind the stern visage of
21:06a president, revealing a subterranean world where the secrets of the past are preserved
21:12in eerie splendor.
21:142.
21:15THE WALDORF RESTORIA TRACK 61 Nestled beneath the Grand Central Terminal
21:21lies an enigmatic slice of New York City lore, Track 61.
21:26While often steeped in myth, this hidden rail sliding beneath the Waldorf Restoria has seen
21:31its fair share of secretive comings and goings.
21:34Originally constructed alongside Track 63 to serve as a steam powerhouse for Grand Central
21:38and nearby buildings, Track 61 took on a new role when the Waldorf Restoria purchased the
21:43air rights above it in 1929.
21:46However, Track 61's most enduring legend revolves around President Franklin Delano
21:50Roosevelt.
21:51While the myth of Roosevelt's personal railcar waiting on Track 61 to whisk him away for
21:56secret departures has been debunked, there's documented evidence of FDR using the track
22:01once in 1944.
22:04Following a campaign stop in New York City, Roosevelt accessed Track 61 via a special
22:08elevator, boarding his presidential railcar for the journey home to Hyde Park.
22:12Despite the single documented use, the track became synonymous with Roosevelt, earning
22:16it the moniker Presidential Siding.
22:19Today, Track 61 sits dormant, no longer in use for its original purpose.
22:23While the iconic blue railcar that once adorned it is gone, the track itself remains a tantalizing
22:29relic of New York's secretive past.
22:31Its occasional glimpses in passing Metro-North trains serves as a reminder of the city's
22:36hidden history.
22:381.
22:39THE BILTMORE ESTATE
22:42The Biltmore Estate, with its 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, and nearly 180,000
22:48square feet, is a marvel of architecture from a bygone age of excess.
22:54Built by the famous Vanderbilt family, this estate stands as a relic of the Gilded Age
22:58in America.
22:59Yet beyond its visible splendor, the estate holds an array of concealed doors, hidden
23:04passageways, and secret rooms.
23:07Constructed in the late 19th century, the estate was designed to provide the Vanderbilts
23:10and their guests with privacy and allow the seamless movement of servants through the
23:14mansion.
23:15One of the estate's intriguing features is in the breakfast room, the informal dining
23:19area.
23:20Here, a camouflaged door behind the dining table leads to the butler's pantry, allowing
23:24servants to discreetly serve meals.
23:26This door, barely discernible, is framed behind two Renoir paintings, with a doorknob just
23:31visible below the right-hand corner of Renoir's Child with Orange.
23:36The estate's massive library also conceals a secret passageway to the guest bedrooms.
23:40A balcony wraps around the library's second story, and two doors on the balcony lead to
23:45this hidden hall.
23:46The library also hides a tiny room known as the den, accessible through a door obscured
23:51by a carving of St. Peter the Martyr.
23:53Another hidden space is found in the billiard room, where a wooden door beside the fireplace
23:57opens into the smoking room.
23:59This was where the men would retire for brandy and cigars.
24:02An additional hidden treasure includes a trapdoor in the winter garden's floor, used for housing
24:07tropical plants in the wintertime, and a concealed closet in the Vanderbilt bedroom.
24:11The estate also featured an underground tunnel in Antler Hill Village, located three miles
24:16from the main house.
24:17This tunnel, part of the Biltmore Dairy Barn, leads to a winery, adding another layer of
24:22intrigue to the estate's storied history.