11. 5. 2019 Air-raid shelter in Brno

A significant find was made during a long-term research carried out by archaeologists in Brno. Specifically, they focused on the site in Vídeňská Street, where they discovered a part of an air-raid shelter from the Second World War. It may have been intended for a nearby hospital.

The archaeologists found only the remains of the air-raid shelter, but they were thrilled with the discovery. In Brno, such structures were built at the end of World War II. "The found shelter could have served a nearby hospital in the past," said the archaeologists from Archaeum Brno.

Most of these buildings were filled in after the war. The one found three years ago served until about the 1970s. Similar shelters were also found in other locations in Brno. According to archaeologists, the caving of corridors is typical for such buildings. It dampened the pressure waves in case of a hit.

Compared to other buildings, the shelter found in Vídeňská Street differs in that it had an atypical brick vault. Archaeologists have also admitted that they are not quite 100% sure of its wartime age and may also be mistaken about its function. "If anyone knows anything more about these premises, we would be happy if they could share their knowledge with us," the archaeologists from Archaia Brno asked.

As far as medical facilities are concerned, the St. Anne's Hospital was also equipped with a cover. Archaeologists have previously discovered two segments of underground shelters in the adjacent Anenské Street. They were very similar in type. The enclosure was built of poured concrete in wooden formwork. The ceiling consisted of a relatively compressed vault," the archaeologists revealed.

The height inside reached up to two metres and the floor was located about 2.5 metres below the existing surface. Along the walls were Roman-anchored benches. Ventilation of the enclosure was to be provided by several concrete turbines that were brought to the surface along the outer wall. The shelters were modernized after World War II, when the floor was raised. They were abandoned and filled in, probably in the 1950s.

Archaeologists also discovered the remains of another shelter at the House of Arts in the centre of Brno. The enclosure was built of cast concrete. However, the ceiling had collapsed because it had been disturbed in the past. Archaeologists found an L-shaped part of the shelter measuring 16 by 4 metres.

Sources: www.archaiabrno.org, www.academia.edu (Petr Holub, David Merta, Antonín Zůbek: Air-raid shelters in Brno)