Two bunkers dating back to the Cold War were uncovered during excavation work in the centre of Antwerp, the city of Antwerp announced on Thursday.
While the existence of the bunkers was known, they were finally uncovered during redevelopment work of the city's square 'Vrijdagmarkt'.
The bunkers are thought to have been installed between 1955 and 1956 as part of a larger network of protection against possible nuclear attacks.
While it is unclear who had access to these nuclear shelters, each bunker had enough space to accommodate around 70 people.
"These bunkers bear witness to a piece of recent history that seems grimly topical again today. Many people might have already forgotten these bunkers and the fear of the atomic bomb. It is important to remember this chapter in the story of Flanders as well," said the Flemish Minister for Heritage, Ben Weyts.
Credit: Frederick Beyens.
While the bunkers had been closed off since the late 90s, they were found in "exceptionally good" condition, with almost completely intact interiors.
"Electricity wiring and authentic lamps from the 1950s also seem to have been preserved. A total surprise were the fence posts with reflectors, originally placed around the bunkers but later stored in the bunkers themselves. These cannot be seen in photos but only on the design plans," stated the city of Antwerp.
Credit: Frederik Beyens.
However, despite the historic significance of these bunkers, they will not be in public view for long; They will be partly demolished to make way for green spaces in the area, as part of the square's redevelopment. "Thanks to the works, however, they can be thoroughly examined beforehand," said Antwerp's District Mayor, Paul Cordy.
