Air raid shelter in the Plaça del Diamant

By David Moreu

During the Civil War (1936 – 1939), the city of Barcelona was systematically bombed by the pro-Franco air force. As a result, the citizens were obliged to build air raid shelters to protect themselves from the attacks and bombs that were causing daily chaos. One of the biggest and the best conserved can be foundunderneath the Plaça del Diamant (in the emblematic Gràcia neighbourhood). It is a network of tunnels and small rooms some twelve metres below street level where around 200 residents could take refuge when the alarms started to ring out.

This shelter was rediscovered in 1992 as a result of some construction works and, today, it has become one of Barcelona’s historical features . In addition, once a week guided visits are organised so you can see how a civilian population defended itself in a city besieged by the bombs.

Picture by 1997

So how about a visit to the Plaça del Diamant air raid shelter? Book your flights here!