Throughout history, certain locations have gained eerie reputations as portals to the underworld. These places, steeped in legend and myth, often have terrifying histories that contribute to their status as the gates to hell. Whether due to natural phenomena, ancient rituals, or religious beliefs, these sites continue to fascinate and unsettle those who visit them. Here are five of the most infamous locations believed to be gateways to the underworld.
1. Actun Tunichil Muknal, Belize – The Maya’s Portal to the Underworld
Deep within the jungles of Belize, the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave—also known as the “Cave of the Stone Sepulcher”—holds the secrets of an ancient civilization’s terrifying beliefs about the afterlife. The Maya believed that caves were portals to Xibalba, their version of the underworld, where gods of death and disease ruled over a treacherous domain. This particular cave was used for sacrificial rituals, meant to appease these deities and stave off disaster.
Inside, archaeologists have discovered skeletal remains of individuals sacrificed to the gods. The most famous of these is the “Crystal Maiden,” a young woman whose bones have calcified over time, making them glisten eerily in the darkness. Many of the skeletons bear evidence of violent deaths, reinforcing the cave’s grim history. Even today, the cave remains shrouded in mystery and legend, making it one of the most chilling gates to hell in the world.
