During excavation works for the redevelopment of the Vrijdagmarkt in Antwerp, archaeologists found two underground bunkers from the Cold War. They date from 1955-56 and could serve as shelters in the event of nuclear disasters or bombings.

It was known that there were bunkers under the Vrijdagmarkt, and their investigation had already been thoroughly prepared. The excavations are being carried out by the Flemish Government‘s Immovable Heritage Agency, in collaboration with the archaeology department of the City of Antwerp.

Network

The well-preserved bunkers were built in the period after World War II and were part of a larger network that provided protection against possible attacks with nuclear weapons in the event of nuclear conflicts during the Cold War. 

The bunkers were ultimately never used. It is unclear who had access to the shelters in times of emergency. The two bunkers under the Vrijdagmarkt consist of reinforced concrete of almost 60 centimetres thick and each offered space for 70 people. 

Basic facilities such as electricity were available inside. Wooden benches were placed along the walls.

According to the design plans from the Felix Archive, the bunkers were placed in the years 1955-56 by contractor Van den Bulck from Merksem. They can still be recognised in old photos and were last opened in the late 1990s. 

During the last redevelopment of the square, the entrances were closed off and the ventilation shafts were covered with cobblestones. Since then, they have disappeared from view, until the day of the discovery.

Unique find

The bunkers were found in exceptionally good condition, which makes the discovery unique. The interior is almost completely intact. For example, numbered benches with wooden seats were found. Furthermore, the electrical wiring and the authentic lamps from the 1950s also seem to have been preserved. 

A total surprise were the fence posts with reflectors, which were originally placed around the bunkers but were later stored in the bunkers themselves. These cannot be seen in photos, but only on the design plans.

“These bunkers bear witness to a piece of recent history that seems horribly topical again today. Many people may have already forgotten these bunkers and the fear of the atomic bomb. It is important that we also remember this chapter in the story of Flanders. Together with the city of Antwerp, we have therefore immediately documented all the finds. Thanks to this smooth collaboration, the work is progressing well”, Flemish Minister of Immovable Heritage Ben Weyts (N-VA) says. 

Mayor Bart De Wever (N-VA) adds: “In the mid-1950s, after the Korean War, the nuclear arms race between the West and the Soviet Union was in full swing. The Cold War not only dominated international politics, but also caused a great deal of concern in our own country.” 

“Critical infrastructure such as the Port of Antwerp, which ten years earlier had been the logistical hub for the allied armies against Nazi Germany, absolutely had to be protected. In our city, there are dozens of bunkers known that were mainly intended for port personnel to ensure the operation of our locks and other port infrastructure. There were also bunkers in the city itself, but they were often rather vaults to store art treasures, such as in the City Hall.” 

“For ordinary Antwerp residents, the construction of all those bunkers was more of a signal that the government was working on it, because large-scale and safe underground facilities for the general population were never built. These ‘forgotten’ bunkers under the Vrijdagmarkt are therefore rare examples of larger shelters in the city centre, where there was room for dozens of people. I hope that further research can teach us more about their history and who they were intended for.”

Redevelopment of Vrijdagmarkt

The bunkers were found during the works for the redevelopment of the Vrijdagmarkt. More space is being made there, for 12 new future trees. These trees can become more than 100 years old, but need sufficient underground space to grow. 

In addition, automatic irrigation and aeration are also being provided for the trees. The square and the subsoil are being broken up and renewed for this purpose. 

After the extensive research, the bunkers will partly disappear to make room for the tree constructions. The roof of each bunker will then be dismantled and the bunker itself filled with soil. The pump with the statue of Saint Catherine will be preserved at its current location, centrally on the square.

District mayor of the District of Antwerp, Paul Cordy (N-VA): “The redevelopment of the Vrijdagmarkt has a dual purpose. After major utility works, the square will be completely restored. We are also providing more root space for the future trees that are being planted. As a result, larger trees will grow in a few years, which will provide more shade in the summer. To make this possible, the bunkers will have to be partially demolished. Thanks to the works, they can be thoroughly examined in advance.” 

More information can be found on the website www.antwerpenmorgen.be.