In the Footsteps of Fascism at Villa Torlonia: Mussolini’s Secret Underground Bunkers

19. Villa Torlonia, commissioned by the Torlonia family in the 19th century and one of the most magnificent historical buildings in Rome, is located on Via Nomentana. Designed by the neoclassical architect Giuseppe Valadier, the villa began construction in 1806 for the banker Giovanni Torlonia (1756–1829) and was completed during the era of his son Alessandro Torlonia (1800–1880).

 

Valadier’s neoclassical design combines a symmetrical layout inspired by ancient Roman architecture with modern elements. The villa stands out not only for its main building, the Casino Nobile, but also for the sculptures, decorative fountains, and exotic plants in its gardens. The Torlonia family used this space both as a residence and a center for social events, gaining prominence in the elite circles of the time.

 

In 1925, Benito Mussolini rented Villa Torlonia for a symbolic annual fee of one lira and began using it as his official residence in Rome. Mussolini, who lived there with his family from 1929 to 1943, spent most of his time at Villa Torlonia, hosting ambassadorial receptions and many important state meetings. The villa also hosted Mussolini’s daughter’s wedding.

 

1. With the intensification of World War II and the arising need for security, various underground shelters were constructed at the villa starting in 1940. These structures, primarily designed to protect Mussolini and his family from airstrikes, were equipped with highly modern systems for their time, reflecting both the architectural characteristics of the fascist regime and Mussolini’s personal fears and contradictions. The bunkers and other shelters, designed as part of the Villa Torlonia complex, were constructed between 1940 and 1943.

 

Overview of the Bunkers and Shelter Systems

 

1. Rifugio-Cantina (1940)

An old cellar located beneath the “del Fucino” pond in the villa’s garden was converted into Mussolini’s first shelter. This shelter was equipped with double-layer steel doors, a manually operated air filtration system, and battery-powered lighting. It also included a bed, a telephone line, and first aid supplies for Mussolini. However, this shelter was deemed inadequate for security because it was located 150 meters away from the main building, the Casino Nobile, and the pond posed a risk of becoming an easy target in case of bombing.

 

2. Casino Nobile Shelter (1941)

After the first attempt failed to meet the desired results, the laundry room of Casino Nobile was redesigned as a shelter in 1941 to respond to the leader’s needs. The space, supported by concrete walls 120 cm thick, was equipped with steel doors and a more modern air filtration system, but it was still deemed insufficient to withstand the damage caused by contemporary bombs.

 

3. Underground Bunker (1942-1943)

Designed as Mussolini’s most secure shelter, the bunker was built 6.5 meters below an open area in front of the Casino Nobile. With a cross-shaped plan and reinforced with 4-meter-thick concrete walls, the structure consisted of cylindrical galleries 2.5 meters in diameter and 15 meters long. The design of the bunker not only provided extensive security measures but also reflected Mussolini’s increasingly deep paranoia, personal fears, and need for security. The bunker was equipped with an air purification system to protect against toxic gases, a generator that would activate in case of a power failure, and an area where enough food and water could be stored for long-term sheltering.

 

These systems, advanced for their time, were inspired by Nazi bunkers in Germany, particularly designs created by German engineers who gained fame for their work on underground structures. However, the bunker was never completed and was never used due to Mussolini’s removal from office on July 25, 1943. Some elements, such as the doors and bathrooms, were left unfinished.

Restoration and Current Status

Villa Torlonia and its bunkers have been opened to the public after restoration work completed in 2024. Today, these structures, open to visitors, offer a deep historical insight into Mussolini’s era and personal life through guided tours and multimedia exhibitions. Additionally, simulations in the bunker allow visitors to experience air raids during World War II firsthand.

 

Today, Villa Torlonia serves as a public space offering a wide range of events in addition to its historical buildings. The main building, the Casino Nobile, draws attention with its period furniture, artwork, and architectural details. Traces of the Mussolini family’s life at the villa are also exhibited in this section.

 

One of the most interesting structures at Villa Torlonia, Casina delle Civette (The House of Owls), is designed in the Art Nouveau style and dazzles with its colorful stained-glass windows and extraordinary architecture. Moreover, the details of Casina delle Civette feature masonic and esoteric symbols. The owl figures in the stained glass windows symbolize ancient wisdom and mystery, while details such as geometric patterns and star symbols carry traces of esoteric beliefs. These elements turn the building into not just a work of art but also a symbolic medium of expression.

 

Villa Torlonia’s expansive gardens, sculptures, botanical areas housing various plant species, and peaceful atmosphere offer visitors a delightful opportunity for a walk and relaxation. In the summer months, the villa hosts open-air concerts, theater performances, and other cultural events, and periodically holds modern art exhibitions.

 

Villa Torlonia with Unplugged Routes

 

The bunker at Villa Torlonia, associated with Mussolini, is a structure that reveals significant contradictions related to both the fascist regime and Mussolini himself. Those who choose to explore Rome with Unplugged Routes will not only visit this historical site to view an architectural masterpiece but also embark on a journey through the dark pages of history. With breathtaking information about World War II and the fascist era, this visit offers a fascinating discovery of Italy’s past and its present.