Mussolini’s Secret World Revealed: Tour the Underground Bunkers in Rome

Benito Mussolini bunkers have been opened and closed for years to the public. The first opening came in 2006, followed by a closure two years later. The bunker was again opened and closed in 2021 before opening on April 21, 2024, for the public to learn about Italy’s history.

Who was Benito Mussolini? He was a fascist leader who put personal security first. He valued himself so much that he had a series of bunkers built to protect him and his family from enemies during the Second World War.

He ordered the construction of the first bunker in 1940 after Italy had entered the war. The bunker was quickly made from a converted wine cellar. However, a year later, the Italian leader demanded an advanced bunker, which led to the construction of a concrete-reinforced bunker with sleeping quarters and a telephone.

However, Mussolini still feared for his life and the lives of his family, thinking the strong bombs might kill them. He, therefore, commissioned the construction of a third and more advanced bunker in 1943. This one was underground, with bomb-resistant walls and gas-resistant doors and windows. Nonetheless, the leader was arrested before the construction was completed.

The Bunker which remained intact in Rome is now open for the public to take tours and witness the ruins of the Second World War, which led to the deaths of millions of people around the world.

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The general public is allowed to take the guided tour in the bunker for a fee. According to CNN Travel, the fifty-minute guided tour takes visitors to the underground ruins where the fascist leader used to hide with his family and allies.