During the Second World War, the Nazi bomb proof bunker "Valentin" was built by around 12,000 prisoners of war, concentration camp inmates and forced laborers. Originally constructed as a submarine factory, it has been used by the German military as a cheap storage unit since the mid-1960s. As a result of the high cost of maintenance, the German military is searching for a buyer.
Bunker Fast Facts
- Location: Bremen, Germany
- Built: 1943 to 1945
- An estimated 4,000 workers died during construction
- Bunker maintenance costs: Approximately €700,000 ($1.1 million) per year
- Bunker dimensions: 426 meters long, 97 meters wide and 25 meters high
- Ceiling thickness: 7 Meters
- Only a third of the bunker's space has ever been used
Historic Site
The bunker draws approximately 1,000 visitors per year, but tours may have to be canceled due to disrepair. Many Germans feel that "Valentin" should be restored as a national heritage site, but the German military has reported that it is "not in the business of maintaining historical monuments."
The German Ministry of Finance, which is usually responsible for maintaining federally owned buildings also denies authority, saying that the building belongs to the military and the designation of historical monuments lies within state jurisdiction.
