Anti-Aircraft Shelter in Santiago Square (Jaen)
In the context of the Spanish Civil War, and with the increase in the warlike use that was given to aviation, anti-aircraft shelters began to be built in areas where the conflict was strongest in order to protect the civilian population. As Jaen did not have very important strategic values, the city did not have any refuge at the beginning of the war.
On April 1, 1937, the bombing of the city of Jaen was carried out by order of General Gonzalo Queipo Llano. The result of this attack was 157 civilians killed. The following day, the Popular Front Commission and the mayor of the city met to plan the construction of several shelters that could provide security, and at the same time reassure the population.
The shelter built in Santiago Square could house up to 1,040 people and was made up of three tunnels, which is what can be visited today.
The sample that visitors can see today serves as a tribute to the victims. It also tries to explain, through photographs and explanatory texts, what was the historical context and the circumstances in which these events took place. In addition, the refuge serves as an example of military architecture developed in the war period and as a place of recovery of historical memory.
On April 1, 1937, the bombing of the city of Jaen was carried out by order of General Gonzalo Queipo Llano. The result of this attack was 157 civilians killed. The following day, the Popular Front Commission and the mayor of the city met to plan the construction of several shelters that could provide security, and at the same time reassure the population.
The shelter built in Santiago Square could house up to 1,040 people and was made up of three tunnels, which is what can be visited today.
The sample that visitors can see today serves as a tribute to the victims. It also tries to explain, through photographs and explanatory texts, what was the historical context and the circumstances in which these events took place. In addition, the refuge serves as an example of military architecture developed in the war period and as a place of recovery of historical memory.
Location
What to see in Jaen
