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ROME, ITALY - MAY 7: The underground air raid shelters built on the order of the Italian ruler Benito Mussolini in World War II welcome visitors again in Rome following the restoration work.During times of conflict, it's not uncommon for leaders to ensure their safety by constructing bunkers beneath their residences. Mussolini, the fascist ruler of Italy, was among those who ordered such a measure to safeguard his family against potential aerial attacks.Situated beneath Mussolini's residence, the Casino Nobile, within the Villa Torlonia complex in Rome, the bunker was constructed between 1942 and 1943.Prince Giovanni Torlonia jr. had rented Villa Torlonia to Mussolini for the symbolic amount of 1 Lira per year in 1925.Seeing as Rome was subject to heavy aerial bombardment on 19 July 1943, it was a foresighted move to order the construction of such underground shelters.Mussolini, however, never had the opportunity to use the bunker, as the construction was not complete when he was dethroned on July 25, 1943.According to Annapaola Agati, the head of Villa Torlonia Park and Museums, the first section of the bunker was originally the basement of the residence. It was repurposed into a shelter, complete with reinforcement and an air circulation system.Amidst growing concerns about the adequacy of the primary shelter, a second underground shelter outside the premises of the building was built. The second shelter was designed to withstand water infiltration.The walls of the bunker are adorned with family photographs of Mussolini.The bunker also offers visitors an immersive atmosphere with the display of the bombardments of Rome between 19 July 1943 and 3 May 1944, and life in a bunker during the bombardment.In the second shelter, which was constructed later on, visitors can experience a genuine battle atmosphere with sound and physical effects.(Footage by Baris Seckin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)