Secret WWII Bunkers Unearthed in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro's Hidden History: Architect Unearths WWII Air Raid Shelters Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – In a fascinating discovery, an architect living in Germany has uncovered a network of over 40 air raid shelters hidden within the city's buildings. These bunkers, remnants of Brazil's participation in World War II, date back to the 1940s, offering a unique glimpse into the city's wartime past. The architect, Isabella Cavallero, meticulously mapped these previously unknown structures, highlighting their historical and architectural significance. 'These reinforced slabs could withstand a weight of 1500 kilograms per square meter,' Cavallero explained in an interview. 'They are a testament to the robust construction techniques of the time.' Newspapers from the era advertised these shelters as a selling point, a symbol of status for buildings with more than four floors. The shelters were not only a luxury but also a legal requirement, mandated by a 1942 decree from Getúlio Vargas's government after Brazil declared war on Nazi Germany. 'Many things have changed here,' commented Léo Santanna, a reporter from SBT News who visited one of the shelters. 'But some places like this one still evoke the atmosphere of a war movie.' The discovery of these hidden shelters serves as a poignant reminder of a significant period in Rio de Janeiro's history, and the city's efforts to prepare for the possibility of aerial attacks. The shelters' existence, now brought to light, adds a new layer to the city's rich and complex past.