Kleines Berlin (Little Berlin), Trieste

Kleines Berlin, known in English as “Little Berlin,” is one of Trieste’s most intriguing reminders of the Second World War. This underground complex of tunnels was constructed during the German occupation of the city between 1943 and 1945, when Trieste became part of the Adriatic Littoral, directly administered by the Third Reich. The network was originally designed as an air-raid shelter and military facility, protecting from Allied bombings that targeted the city’s port and strategic infrastructure. Its name was given later, about the German presence that shaped both its construction and use.

The complex consists of two main sections: one built by the Italian authorities before the German occupation, and another extended by the German army to serve their purposes. Together, they formed a sprawling system of passages carved beneath the city, complete with reinforced walls and designated areas for civilians, soldiers, and military command. The tunnels could shelter thousands of people during bombings, offering a grim but vital refuge at a time when Trieste endured repeated air attacks.

Today, Kleines Berlin is preserved as a historical site and can be visited by those interested in the city’s wartime history. Guided visits are occasionally offered by local associations, particularly on commemorative dates, allowing visitors to walk through dimly lit corridors and see original features such as ventilation systems and wartime graffiti. The atmosphere of the tunnels, heavy with echoes of the past, provides a striking contrast to Trieste’s lively streets above.

For tourists, Kleines Berlin offers a chance to connect with a lesser-known chapter of Trieste’s story. While the city is often celebrated for its literary cafés, Habsburg architecture, and seaside charm, this underground world recalls a darker period when survival depended on finding shelter below ground. Exploring it is both an educational and moving experience, offering insight into how Trieste and its inhabitants endured the turbulence of the 1940s.