Built during World War II, the underground bunkers at Villa Torlonia were designed to protect Benito Mussolini and his family from Allied bombing. These dramatic shelters have now been renovated and are open to the public for viewing.
Villa Torlonia, Mussolini’s grand estate in Rome, was home to several underground structures built to withstand air attacks. The first bunker was constructed in 1940 in Mussolini’s wine cellar under the Villa’s Lake, followed by an underground basement bunker in the Casino Nobile building on the property. These structures were heavily fortified with four feet of reinforced concrete, anti-gas doors, and an air purification system.
As the war progressed, Mussolini added an armored bunker located 20 feet underground in front of the Casino Nobile. The bunkers were built in a cross shape, with 50-foot-long corridors and 13-foot reinforced concrete walls. Construction began in December 1942, but the bunker was left incomplete when Mussolini was arrested on July 25, 1943, lacking crucial features such as watertight doors, final ventilation systems, and toilets.
Today visitors can explore these historic structures through a guided tour of the Villa Torlonia Museum. Visitors can also experience simulated overhead bombings through an immersive audio-visual display while enjoying archive images of Mussolini and his family at the villa along with footage of the aftermath of Allied bombings in Rome. The ‘Rifugio e il Bunker’ can be visited as part of a guided tour or for individual tours on Saturdays and Sundays with tickets available online or purchased in person at ticket offices located inside Casino Nobile building.
The renovation process has helped preserve these important historical structures while providing visitors with an insight into how they were used during World War II. With its rich history and unique architecture, Villa Torlonia is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Italian history and culture.