Rifugi antiaerei di Perosa Argentina
Second World War air-raid shelter in Via Roma in Perosa Argentina, visited with volunteers and with a small museum of period objects.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Perosa Argentina, in the Val Chisone, was home to major textile and metalworking factories producing materials for the war, and it suffered numerous bombing raids. To protect workers and the population, underground shelters were dug. The one in Via Roma was built in 1943–1944 following requests from residents, near the silk mill, where the population was most concentrated.
The tunnel, 138 metres long, was approved for 344 people but, according to witnesses, sheltered more than 500. It was equipped with lighting, toilets and a first-aid room, and had an emergency exit consisting of a 17-metre chimney with an iron ladder. A second, smaller shelter was built in 1941 in the Parco “E. Gay”.
Today the route can be visited with volunteers; sound effects bring back the moments of the air raids. Benches, chairs and a first-aid room have been reconstructed in the shelter, and a small museum of period objects is set up there.
Key themes
- Via Roma shelter of 1943–44, 138 metres long
- 17-metre safety chimney with iron ladder
- Sound effects recreating an air raid
- Small museum of period objects
Permanent exhibition
- Rifugio antiaereo di via Roma – Route through the 1943–44 shelter with reconstructed benches, a first-aid room and a small museum of period objects.
- Operated by
- Pro Loco di Perosa Argentina
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission by free donation.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
According to the municipality’s page, the Via Roma shelters are fully accessible by wheelchair.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking spaces indicated by the Pro Loco in Via Gütermann, Piazza Marinai d’Italia and Piazza III Alpini.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Individuals and groups of at least three people book at least 7 days in advance (viverelealpi@gmail.com); groups are limited to 25 people. Guides speak Italian, English, French and German. |