Kleine Berlin

Kleine Berlin is one of the most significant sites associated with Second World War Trieste.

It is a complex network of air-raid tunnels built by the Germans for their soldiers stationed in the city during the period when Trieste formed part of the OZAK (Operational Zone of the Adriatic Littoral).

Initially, German military personnel and civilians used the existing municipal air-raid shelter, which had been built for the Italian civilian population. After the bombing raid of 10 June 1944, however, it became a priority to construct a new shelter reserved exclusively for German forces. The work was completed within the same year, although some sections were never finished because of the end of the war in 1945.

The entire construction process of the shelter was carried out under the strict secrecy imposed by Globočnik. The SS commander used the tunnels to create a secret passage connecting his residence, Villa Ara, with the underground areas of the Courthouse.

Today, Kleine Berlin can be visited thanks to the efforts of the Club Alpinistico Triestino. The tour begins at a secondary entrance that was once reserved for German soldiers and allows visitors to explore a large part of the underground complex, including the large municipal tunnel, approximately 250 metres long. The spaces, preserved to reflect their original appearance, are enhanced by an exhibition of historical artefacts and information panels that help visitors understand the history of this remarkable site.