Guided tours of Alicante’s Air-raid Shelters - Route 1

Route 1 — Beneath the Streets of Alicante: from the Engine House to the Shelters of the Historic Centre

Between 1936 and 1939 in Alicante, when the sirens wailed, thousands of residents left their homes and workplaces to descend underground. This route takes you along that very same path: from the space where the events are contextualised to the subterranean galleries where people waited for the danger to pass.

The starting point of the route is the Civil War Interpretation Centre, located in the historic facilities of the former Casa de Máquinas (Engine House), on Portugal Street, next to Séneca Square.

Through photographs, scale models, posters and period materials, this museum space offers a journey into the past to understand the fundamental role of the air‑raid shelters and life in the city during the hardest years of the conflict. Its rooms also feature audiovisuals and recreated elements that allow visitors to grasp first-hand what it meant for Alicante to be a rearguard city.

Just 75 metres from the Interpretation Centre, we will enter the R31 Shelter (Séneca Square), one of the best-preserved air‑raid shelters in Alicante. Numerous shelters came to light—after years of oblivion—during urban redevelopment projects, and were documented thanks to the collections dedicated to Passive Defence at the Alicante Municipal Archive and the work of the Memory Department and the Department of Culture of the Alicante City Council.

The tour concludes at the R46 Shelter (Doctor Balmis Square), located about 400 metres from the previous one. The shelter in Dr. Balmis Square occupies a roughly square floor plan of about 198 m², set in the traditional centre of Alicante, just 200 metres from the port area.

Access to R46 involves stairs. It is not accessible for people with reduced mobility.

What does Route 1 include?

• Visit to the Civil War Interpretation Centre (Casa de Máquinas): panels, scale models, audiovisuals and recreated period objects
• Guided access to Shelter R31 (Séneca Square)
• Guided access to Shelter R46 (Doctor Balmis Square)
• Official tourism guide from the Valencian Community throughout the entire tour
• Estimated duration 2 hours

Practical information

Starting point: Interpretation Centre of the Engine House – Portugal Street, next to Séneca Square (Alicante City Centre)
Capacity: Limited · Advance booking required
Accessibility: Underground spaces with stairs · Check specific conditions when booking

The shelters are protected heritage spaces with restricted access. The number of available spots is very limited. Book in advance to guarantee your entry.