Discover the 1937 air-raid shelter that Tarragona has opened after 80 years

Tarragona has recovered an air raid shelter sealed since 1940. Firefighters and drones have participated in its opening to preserve history.
 Refugi antiaeri històric de Tarragona obert després de 80 anys amb suport de drons i dotacions d’emergència — Imagen de la Fuente
Historic air raid shelter of Tarragona opened after 80 years with support from drones and emergency teams — Image from the Source

A 1937 air raid shelter sees the light again after being sealed for nearly eighty years. This unexpected opening has captured the attention of Tarragona and its residents.

The Generalitat Firefighters intervened on May 12, 2026, to open this historic space, with the collaboration of the Tarragona City Council and the involvement of five units, including drones from the #MAER and #GREC units.

History and opening of the air raid shelter

Origins and closure

The air raid shelter dates back to 1937, during the Spanish Civil War, and served as a protective space for the local population during the bombings. Around 1940, it was sealed and fell out of use, forgotten for decades.

The Firefighters' intervention

On May 12, 2026, five units of the Generalitat Firefighters took part in its opening. The operation involved the use of drones from the #MAER and #GREC units, which allowed for inspection and ensured the safety of the space before and during the opening.

The role of technology in heritage recovery

Drones as a key tool

The drones provided a detailed view of the interior of the shelter, especially in hard-to-reach areas, ensuring the space was safe for the rescue team and future visitors.

Institutional collaboration

The Tarragona City Council supported the initiative, showing an interest in preserving and showcasing this previously little-known heritage element.

Implications for Tarragona and its heritage

Highlighting historical memory

The recovery of the air raid shelter is not only an act of physical conservation but also a way to keep alive the memory of a difficult period for the city and the country.

Local repercussions

The discovery may attract the interest of historians, tourists, and residents, opening the door to cultural and educational activities related to this hidden part of Tarragona’s history.

The fact that a space so old and sealed since 1940 is accessible again demonstrates that, in Tarragona, history still has many keys to uncover.

Source of the article: Generalitat Firefighters