Mussolini’s Wartime Bunker Opens to the Public in Rome
In June 1940, Italy entered World War II, and the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini wasted no time in ensuring his safety by constructing air raid shelters for himself and his family. These shelters were built at Villa Torlonia, Mussolini’s grand residence in Rome since 1929. A total of three underground structures were built to protect Mussolini, each serving a different purpose.
The First Shelter: An Adaptation of an Old Wine Cellar
The first shelter, constructed in 1940, was an adaptation of an old wine cellar located within the grounds of Villa Torlonia. Mussolini and his team converted this space into a secure refuge. However, as the war progressed, it became clear that more substantial protection was needed.
The Casino Nobile Shelter: Reinforced and Equipped
A year later, in 1941, an air raid shelter was built in the basement of the Casino Nobile, one of the buildings within the villa’s grounds. This shelter was designed to be more secure, with rooms clad in 120 centimeters (four feet) of reinforced concrete. It also featured anti-gas doors and an air purification and exchange system, ensuring the safety and comfort of its occupants.
The Armored Bunker: Unfinished and Untouched
As the war continued, Mussolini planned the construction of an armored bunker in front of the Casino Nobile. This bunker, located six meters (nearly 20 feet) underground, was designed in a cross shape with corridors measuring 15 meters (nearly 50 feet) in length and 2.5 meters (8 feet) in width. The walls were reinforced with four-meter-thick (13 feet) concrete. Construction began in December 1942, but the bunker remained unfinished and lacking essential amenities such as watertight doors, a ventilation system, and a toilet. It was during this construction phase that Mussolini’s reign came to an abrupt end.
On July 25, 1943, Mussolini was arrested, and the bunker was left untouched. It wasn’t until 2006 that the bunker was first opened to the public. However, it closed two years later and only had temporary openings in the following years. Now, after its most recent closure in 2021, the bunker has reopened for guided tours.
A Multimedia Exhibition and Guided Tours
The bunker complex now includes a multimedia exhibition that provides insights into Rome during World War II. It covers topics such as the air raid systems for civilians and the series of 51 allied bombings that devastated the city between July 1943 and May 1944. One particular focus is the 1943 bombing of the San Lorenzo neighborhood, which tragically claimed the lives of over 3,000 civilians.
Guided tours lasting 50 minutes take visitors underground and through the exhibition, offering a unique opportunity to experience a recreated air raid in Mussolini’s unfinished bunker. It’s important to note that these tours are not accessible for individuals with mobility issues. The tours run from Fridays through Sundays, with an English tour available on Saturdays at 11 a.m.
Tickets for the guided tours cost 12 euros ($12.80) and can be booked online in advance.
