In the heart of Barcelona’s picturesque Gracia district is the best-preserved subway bomb shelter in Spain.
It is the shelter of the Plaza del Diamante, a subway space that offers a unique glimpse into the history of the Spanish Civil War and how the people of Barcelona protected themselves from bombing during that dark period.
Built some 13 meters deep, the Diamond Square shelter had the capacity to hold up to 170 people seated, and almost double that if necessary.
Its ingenious design allowed for quick entry thanks to a series of distributors that guided the refugees through the galleries.
The interior of the shelter is equally impressive, with brick benches and an original electrical installation that helped maintain lighting during power outages.
Also visible are the supports for candlesticks and candles that were essential during bombing raids.
In addition to its magnificent architecture, the Diamond Square shelter has significant historical importance.
During the Civil War, Barcelona was a Republican bastion that resisted from the rear, providing support through workers’ militias in key fronts of the war.
The city suffered heavy air raids by the Italian Legionary Air Force, which led to the construction of almost 1,400 air-raid shelters throughout the city.
How to visit the subway shelter and how to purchase tickets
For those interested in visiting this impressive historical testimony, visits to the refuge are guided and require prior reservation at tallerhistoriadegracia.cat or by email at tallerhistoriagracia@gmail.com.
The cost of the visit is 3 euros per person and lasts approximately one hour. Visits take place every Sunday at 11:00 a.m. (this is the only timetable) and there is the option of doing it in Catalan or Spanish, depending on the day.
During the tour, attendees can view a reproduction of the iconic photograph of the March 17, 1938 bombing, showing the famous Coliseum Theater explosives truck exploding.
In addition, copies of the membership cards of the shelters, which provide information on the construction and maintenance of these private spaces for public purposes, are presented.
The subway shelter of Plaza del Diamante in Barcelona: a testimony of the Civil War.
The air-raid shelter in Plaça del Diamant is a window to the past that reminds us of the challenges and experiences lived by the people of Barcelona during the Civil War.
A unique opportunity to learn and appreciate the history of the city and how its inhabitants faced the ravages of war.
It can be a great plan for the weekend to discover the subway city.
