The historic bunker at Villa Ada Savoia in Rome has officially reopened its doors to the public after five years of closure. This significant event marks a renewed collaboration between the municipal administration and local citizens, aiming to make this unique historical site accessible once again.
What to Know About the Villa Ada Bunker
The bunker, originally constructed between November 1942 and June 1943, served as an exclusive air-raid shelter for the royal Savoia family during World War II. Located underground, it spans over 200 square meters and features a circular design with seven distinct areas: two main rooms, two bathrooms, an antechamber, and two service rooms.
Its initial public opening was on March 24, 2016, but it was subsequently closed on March 21, 2021, upon the expiration of the agreement between the association managing it and the Capitoline Superintendence for Cultural Heritage.
Restoration and Accessibility
The reopening follows extensive requalification work carried out by the Environmental Protection Department. This included naturalistic engineering interventions to stabilize the slopes beneath the structure, which were prone to significant erosion. Approximately 900 new plants have been introduced in the surrounding areas to aid in soil stabilization and promote biodiversity.
Both the path leading to the bunker and the one ascending to the top of the Cavalle Madri hill have been restored, ensuring safe access for visitors.
Partnership for Public Management
The municipality has forged a collaborative agreement with two associations, ‘Roma Sotterranea’ and ‘Giochi di Strada,’ for the shared management of the bunker. This partnership is a key element in ensuring the long-term accessibility and cultural promotion of the site.
- Roma Sotterranea: This association, with ten years of experience in promoting and valorizing historical sites, will organize guided tours and promote artistic events and initiatives. Their aim is to attract both local residents and tourists to the bunker.
- Giochi di Strada: This group will focus on organizing sports activities, including trekking routes within the Villa Ada park, further enhancing the visitor experience.
The agreement also extends to the management of the Torre sul Colle Roccolo, which is currently undergoing safety improvement works.
Statements from Officials
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several notable figures, including Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, Environmental Councillor Sabrina Alfonsi, President of Municipio II Francesca Del Bello, and Federica Pirani, Director of the Artistic Heritage Office of Historic Villas. Bassam Essam Rady, the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Italy, was also present.
Councillor Sabrina Alfonsi emphasized the significance of the reopening: “We are in a villa that is a symbolic place for Rome, and today we are returning a historic building to the city. We have chosen to manage the bunker through a collaborative agreement: the so-called horizontal subsidiarity. Active citizenship will promote the discovery of this common good, accessible in total safety within a completely requalified area. This is only a part of the interventions planned for the public use of the entire villa.”
Visiting Information
Visitors can now look forward to exploring this fascinating piece of Roman history. Guided tours will provide insights into the bunker’s construction, its historical context, and the lives of the Savoia family during the war. The collaboration with ‘Giochi di Strada’ also means that visitors can combine their historical exploration with outdoor activities in the beautiful Villa Ada park.
For the most up-to-date information on visiting hours, tour schedules, and event details, it is recommended to check the official websites of the collaborating associations or the Rome municipal website.
How to Get There:
- By Public Transport: Villa Ada is accessible via several bus lines. Check ATAC Roma for the best route from your location.
- By Car: Limited parking may be available in the vicinity of Villa Ada. Consider using public transport or ride-sharing services.
Contact Information:
- Roma Sotterranea: [Check their official website for contact details and tour bookings]
- Giochi di Strada: [Check their official website for event schedules and contact details]
- Rome Municipality (Environmental Protection Department): [Refer to the official Rome.it website for general inquiries]
Source: roma.corriere.it
