Shelter tunnel in Strzyżów

The Strzyżów shelter tunnel is an underground structure dating back to World War II, built between 1940 and 1941 by Organisation Todt. It is located beneath Żarnowska Góra in Strzyżów, in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, and was part of Adolf Hitler’s headquarters (Führerhauptquartier) known as Anlage Süd, situated in Stępina-Cieszyna. This reinforced concrete structure is approximately 438 meters long and was secured with massive iron doors, highlighting its strategic importance. In addition to the tunnel itself, auxiliary buildings were constructed in the area, including support bunkers and an installation tunnel. In August 1941, the tunnel witnessed a significant historical event—the stop of Hitler’s special train "Amerika" before his meeting with Benito Mussolini. After the war, the tunnel was repurposed for economic uses, such as a garage and storage facility. Today, it is open to visitors, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts alike. Its architecture, history, and functionality make it a fascinating element of the cultural heritage of the Podkarpacie region, while also reflecting the dark chapters of World War II history.