Preservation of a historical nuclear protection bunker in Mannheim: the commitment of the Mannheim Tour Association

Preservation of a historical nuclear protection bunker in Mannheim: the commitment of the Mannheim Tour Association

The protection obtained from nuclear attacks: nuclear protection bunker in Mannheim

The bunker systems under Mannheim are not only historical contemporary witnesses, but also important memories of the time of the Cold War. 60 years ago, in the shadow of political tensions between the USA and the USSR, a nuclear protection bunker was created under the city of Mannheim. Nowadays, the idea of atomic dangers may be less present, but an association called "Mannhimentours" is actively committed to maintaining these bunker systems.

commitment to monument protection

The founder of the association, Georg Seiblich, took the initiative 13 years ago to maintain the bunkers in Mannheim and make it open to the public. These bunkers should once protect the population from atomic, biological and chemical threats. The care of historical buildings is particularly important to the heart, inspired by his father's architecture, which was significantly involved in the reconstruction of the city after the Second World War.

Particular attention is paid to the nuclear protection bunker under the city center N1. A place that carry thousands of people over themselves every day without guessing it. The bunker, originally designed as a shelter, later even served as an underground car park. The beds are attached to the ceiling, the parking space markings are still visible, and the history of this complex is reminiscent of past times of uncertainty and caution.

a relic of the Cold War

The construction of the nuclear protection bunker fell into the time of the Cold War between 1964 and 1967. Mannheim, due to its proximity to BASF and the port, was considered a possible target. The bunker was designed to offer around 1,600 people for ten days. A three-layer system was planned, as well as sufficient sanitary facilities and self-care options.

The bunker not only houses necessities such as diesel engines for power supply and a deep well for water supply, but also curious insights into the time: records with hit music by Heintje and Heino testify to offer people in the narrowing of the bunker.

preserve the inheritance for the future

The association "Mannheim Tours" and Georg Seibenlich see in their work not only the preservation of bunker systems, but also the imparting of historical events and memories of future generations. In particular, the current geopolitical tensions and conflicts make the importance of protective bunkers noticeably noticeable. The question "What if ...?" is raised in guided tours to raise awareness of the importance of protective measures.

It is a memory of a time when the threat of nuclear attacks was omnipresent and people forced people to take protective measures. The nuclear protection bunker under Mannheim symbolizes this era and warns us not to forget the lessons of the past.

- Nag