Lisa from Valencia
Refugios Valencia
Valencia's air-raid shelters
Descend and get ready for an unforgettable trip back in time: experience Valencia's underground city, the refugios or air-raid shelters.
During the Spanish Civil War bombings, Valencia sought refuge beneath its streets. The city has dozens of refugios (shelters) scattered throughout. Today, you can still visit some of them. If you want to discover another side of Valencia, this is your chance!
The Bombas Gens factory shelter had rules on its wall, such as "no smoking or spitting". In case of danger, workers would gather in the factory's refuge, a cramped space without benches or toilets. A guided tour is available, which includes a visit to the shelter and other parts of this unique building.
When there was a bombing, kids learned this rule: "If you're not with your parents, don't try to find them - just run to the shelter." Schoolchildren would sit on benches in special school kids' refuges until it was safe to go home again. You can visit it by yourself during opening hours without booking a tour.
There were also public shelters open to everyone. For example, the Serranos Street shelter had a 1.5-metre-thick roof and three large halls that could accommodate 400 people. Book a guided tour to explore this shelter.
On Serranos Street, you can still see the typical REFUGIO sign that marked the shelters. The Art Deco-style sign was clear and easy to read, even from a distance. Today, it stands as a reminder of a hard time.
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