In Rome's Villa Ada park, the historic air-raid shelter of the House of Savoy has reopened to the public after renovation. The bunker, built in 1940 as a personal refuge for King Victor Emmanuel III and his family, had been closed for decades. After comprehensive conservation work, the structure has regained its original appearance and been adapted for a new cultural function. Starting Saturday, February 28, 2026, it will serve as an unusual theatrical and exhibition space, marking the culmination of a revitalization project led by the city authorities.

Reopening After Renovation

The historic 1940 bunker of the Italian kings in Rome's Villa Ada park has been reopened to visitors after thorough conservation work that restored its original appearance.

New Cultural Function

After renovation, the air-raid shelter has been adapted into a space dedicated to cultural events, primarily theatrical performances and exhibitions, combining heritage preservation with the city's cultural life.

Built for the Royal Family

The bunker, covering about 60 square meters, was built at the personal order of King Victor Emmanuel III in case of Allied bombing raids during World War II. It is located 8 meters underground.

Municipal Project and Accessibility

The revitalization is part of a broader project by Rome's authorities to open and repurpose the city's historic underground spaces. The bunker will be open on weekends, and admission is free.

In Rome, in the heart of Villa Ada park, a unique World War II-era air-raid shelter built for the royal House of Savoy has reopened to the public. The bunker, known as the "Bunker dei Savoia," was erected in 1940 at the personal request of King Victor Emmanuel III, who feared Allied bombing raids on the capital. Located eight meters underground and covering about 60 square meters, it remained closed for decades, falling into oblivion. The municipal authorities of Rome, as part of a broader project to revitalize the city's historic underground spaces, carried out comprehensive conservation work. The aim was not only to secure the structure but also to restore the original appearance of the rooms, including the characteristic thick concrete walls and gas-proof doors. Starting Saturday, February 28, 2026, the site begins its new role as an unusual cultural space. The House of Savoy ruled the Kingdom of Italy from its unification in 1861 until the 1946 referendum, which abolished the monarchy and established a republic. Victor Emmanuel III, who reigned from 1900 to 1946, was a controversial figure due to his collaboration with Benito Mussolini's fascist regime, which ultimately led to the fall of the monarchy. The bunker's main new function will be as a theater. The space has been adapted for intimate performances, happenings, and exhibitions, representing an attempt to revitalize historical heritage through contemporary artistic activity. The inauguration is scheduled for the weekend of February 28 and March 1. According to Italian media reports, admission to the site will be free, and visits will be possible on Saturdays and Sundays. This project aligns with the city hall's cultural policy, which involves opening and repurposing Rome's forgotten underground spaces—from ancient cisterns to 20th-century shelters—for residents and tourists. „Da rifugio antiaereo a teatro” (From air-raid shelter to theater) — Il Messaggero

Mentioned People

  • Wiktor Emanuel III — King of Italy from the House of Savoy, for whom the bunker was built in 1940.