The air raid shelter hidden beneath the Metropol Theatre comes to light again

An air raid shelter from the Civil War, lost underground, is accessible again after decades. This reopening could change the way Tarragona’s hidden heritage is understood.

The Generalitat Firefighters have entered the basement of the building adjacent to the Metropol Theatre with a drone to assess the condition of this historic shelter, according to the Tarragona City Council on May 12, 2026.

The air raid shelter and its historical importance

Origin and function during the Civil War

Built as civil protection during one of the darkest periods of recent history, this air raid shelter served to safeguard the population from bombings. Although often overlooked, it retains essential heritage and documentary value for understanding life under war in Tarragona.

Location beneath the Metropol Theatre

Located in the basement of the property adjacent to the Metropol Theatre, this shelter has been hiding for decades. Its proximity to such a well-known cultural spot gives its reopening special public interest.

The drone inspection: technology in the service of heritage

Why did the Firefighters use a drone?

Entering old and unknown structures always involves risks. The Firefighters opted for a drone to avoid danger to people and to obtain detailed images of the internal condition without the need for immediate physical access.

The future of the shelter and its opening to the public

Reactions and citizen involvement

The residents of Tarragona and history lovers are already showing interest in this discovery. The shelter could become a new cultural hub connecting past and present.

The fact that a drone has been the only visitor so far says a lot about how parts of the city still thought lost are being discovered. And this is just the beginning.

Source of the article: Tarragona City Council