In Warsaw, archaeologists have excavated an ancient tunnel in which, according to historical records, meetings of Freemasons took place. While exploring the site, scientists discovered artifacts dating back to the 17th century. Recent excavations in Warsaw’s Guqing Gai Park have uncovered part of a tunnel system. This park is located on the territory of the historical Wilanów estate, which was once the residence of a branch of the Wilanów Palace, writes Heritage Daily. Located near St. Catherine’s Church in the northwest corner of the park, the tunnel is U-shaped and extends approximately 65 meters. It is lined with symmetrical niches, some of which contain three rows of niches, giving them the appearance of a catacomb. At the beginning of the 19th century, Stanisław Kostka Potocki, a Polish nobleman and minister, acquired the tunnel and the surrounding area. Potocki, who held the title of Grand Master of the Grand National East of Poland, was associated with rumors that the tunnel served as a secret meeting place for Masonic ceremonies and rituals. Despite the lack of evidence or written records to substantiate these rumors, official monument registers still refer to the site as a “Masonic Graves”. The Institute of Archeology at Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, together with the Office of the Warsaw Monument Conservator, carried out excavations in an area measuring 5×5 meters, covering the entrance to the tunnel and part of the internal corridor. They removed the accumulated layers to reveal 19th-century walls marking the entrance from the Potocki era, as well as older brick walls dating back to the 17th century. Among the finds are coins from the 17th century and several medieval objects. The 17th-century architectural elements are likely the remains of a cistern or glacier that was used to collect and store water to supply Wilanów Palace, located a few kilometers from the tunnel. This theory is supported by the records of Augustin Loci (1640-1732), the court architect of John III Sobieski, who documented the construction of a glacier and water intake on the northern slope of the Góra Służewska ledge in Gucin Gaj. The post Masonic Gathering Place: Archaeologists Unearth Ancient Tunnels appeared first on Anomalien.com.