Mussolini's secret WWII Bunker in Rome now open to public

Villa Torlonia served as Mussolini’s private residence from 1925 to 1943, accommodating not only him but also his wife Rachele and their children Edda, Vittorio, Buno, Romano, and Anna Maria. Originally constructed in 1797 and previously home to noble families, the villa underwent transformation in 1806 into a magnificent palace, complete with a large casino, sprawling parklands with small lakes, a tennis court, and even horse stables. In 1925, the estate was bestowed upon Mussolini as his primary residence.

Situated beneath Mussolini’s expansive compound are three underground structures, the first of which was established in 1940 within his wine cellar beneath the Villas Lake, and subsequently within the basement of the Casino Nobile, one of the buildings on the property. These structures were robustly constructed with four feet of reinforced concrete, featuring anti-gas doors and an air purification system.

During a visit to this place, visitors will encounter a passageway with Roman vaulted ceilings and ancient mosaics adorning the walls, leading to a modern cement compound divided into nine rooms. According to historical records, the ventilation system effectively prevented moisture accumulation, maintaining a dry environment. Construction had also commenced on a secret passage leading directly to the Vittorio Emanuele monument, though it remained incomplete following Mussolini’s arrest in 1943.

During the progression of the war, Mussolini added an armored bunker 20 ft underground in front of the Casino Nobile, designed in a cross shape with 50-ft-long corridors and 13-ft reinforced concrete. This immersive experience allows visitors to witness simulated overhead bombings, replicating the 51 aerial bombings that struck Rome between July 1943 and May 1944.

The ‘Rifugio e il Bunker’ experience is incorporated into the Villa Torlonia Museum tour and is available for guided visits, with English-language tours offered on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets can be purchased online via the Museo Villa Torlonia website or in person at the ticket offices in Casino Nobile.