Air Raid Bunker Museum

Piazza Vittorio Emanuele in Monopoli's center was the city's original gathering space, a vast square dubbed "il borgo". Today, it's still a hub of the city and is outlined by shops and cafes.

At its center is the imposing war memorial, dedicated to those who died in service in WWI. But below it is another type of memorial that most people didn't know about -an air raid bunker from WWII.

Eight meters (27 feet) below the piazza is a knot of passageways that were used as protective bunkers during the bombings, first by the British and then by the Germans. About 1,800 people found refuge in the underground bunkers during those air raids.

It has recently been restored and reopened as a museum, with multimedia and multi-lingual presentations along the corridors. The guided visit through about 300 meters of tunnel lasts for 45 minutes and costs 2 per person.

Hours are quirky and limited, or you can reserve a visit by going to InfoPoint at Via Garibaldi 8; by calling (+39) 080 414 0264; or sending by an email to [email protected]

2018 HOURS: From January through March, open the first Sunday of every month, from 9:00 AM til 1:00 PM

From March through October, open from 4:00 PM til 8:00 PM.

November through December, open on the first Sunday of every month from 9:00 PM til 1:00 PM.