Rome's Savoy and Mussolini bunkers close amid contract dispute
The Savoy bunker located in Villa Ada and the Mussolini bunker in Villa Torlonia, Rome, ceased operations after the management contract with Roma Sotterranea lapsed on March 20, 2021, with no new tender being announced. Roma Sotterranea had overseen the Savoy bunker for six years and the Mussolini bunker for three, drawing in thousands of visitors, although both sites were largely closed during the pandemic. The Savoy bunker, constructed between 1942 and 1943 for King Vittorio Emanuele III, reopened in 2016 following restoration, while the Mussolini bunker, a cylindrical design finished in 1942 but never utilized by Mussolini, opened its doors in 2014. A request from Roma Sotterranea for a one-year extension was rejected, and the municipality is reportedly seeking a new tender due to concerns about deterioration.
Key facts
- Savoy bunker in Villa Ada and Mussolini bunker in Villa Torlonia closed after contract with Roma Sotterranea expired on March 20, 2021.
- Roma Sotterranea managed Savoy bunker for 6 years (two 3-year terms) and Mussolini bunker for 3 years (one term).
- Savoy bunker built 1942-1943 for King Vittorio Emanuele III, 350 meters from Royal Palace (now Egyptian embassy).
- Savoy bunker reopened in 2016 after restoration by Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali and Roma Sotterranea, closed 2017, reopened March 2018.
- Mussolini bunker built in stages from 1940 to 1942, never completed; used by civilians during bombings.
- Mussolini bunker first opened to public in 2014, closed 2016, reopened 2018.
- Roma Sotterranea offered custodianship but municipality refused; also denied one-year extension due to pandemic.
- Bunkers risk damage from humidity, mold, and insects without maintenance.
Entities
Institutions
- Roma Sotterranea
- Comune di Roma
- Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali
- Artribune
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Villa Ada
- Villa Torlonia
- Palazzina Reale
- Casino Nobile