Bunkers are ‘tried and tested’ defensive military facilities that can protect the people and essential items against bomb attacks. Superpower countries invest in building advanced bunker systems since many countries are now capable of waging nuclear and biological attacks.
Here is a look at the top seven biggest bunkers ever built on the planet.
- Sonnenberg Tunnel- Switzerland The Sonnenberg Tunnel might appear an ordinary motorway tunnel at first glance, but it’s a formidable bunker. The Sonnenbergtunnel’s ends are equipped with strong nuclear blockages 24/7 ready for activation when an enemy attacks the country. Whether you believe it or not, this tunnel can protect soldiers against nuclear attacks. The plugs of this bunker consist of solid doors weighing no less than 350 tons. The Sonnenberg Tunnel can house over 20,000 people.
- Beijing’s Underground City- China WithMao Zedong’s strong will to save the six million people in Beijing (population during his reign), he ordered the construction of the Dìxià Chéng, which literally translates to ‘underground city.’ Dìxià Chéng is also called as ‘The Underground Great Wall’ that stretches 33 square miles over 30 and 60- feet alternate depths. The Dìxià Chéng was built to withstand both biological and nuclear attacks. This bunker is water-proof and gas-proof. With its significant length, the Underground City did not merely house the populace of Beijing, but several leisure structures were also built underground. At its peak, you could find movie theaters, restaurants, and even farms in the Underground City. Beijing’s Underground City is believed to have around 90 entrances, but many people believe that there are far more openings to this ingenious and formidable bunker.
- Cheyenne Mountain- U.S.A Located in Colorado it covers nearly five-hectare and goes to a depth of 2,000 feet. Cheyenne Mountainis the headquarters of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM). Even if there were major earthquakes or nuclear attacks, this formidable bunker would not be moved. Why? Because the Cheyenne Mountain sits on top of 1,000 springs. A network of flexible pipe connectors also support the facility. Due to the unique foundation of the Cheyenne Mountain, this is the first recorded structure built to survive an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack. This bunker is protected with 25-ton blast doors that can repel a 30 megaton nuclear blast. Apart from the high-end defense system, fitness centers and stores were also built inside the Cheyenne Mountain.
- Raven Rock Mountain Complex- U.S.A This bunker was built amid the mountains separating Maryland and Pennsylvania. With its strategic location, the Raven Rock Mountain Complex is another significant bunker in the United States. This bunker measures 300,000 square feet and is known to have a direct passage leading to Camp David, the U.S. president’s official place for retreat.Out of transparency, former President Barack Obama opened this bunker to the public during his administration. People found out about the advanced defense equipment placedin this bunker. You can even see direct messages from the CIA flashed on the monitors inside the Raven Rock Mountain Complex.
- Metro 2 – Russia Russia is known as a secretive country. The Metro 2 is a never confirmed secretive bunker and metro system which parallels the public Moscow Metro. The Metro 2 is believed to be an intricately engineered interconnected set of subway lines heading to the safest and most heavily guarded spots in the country. The United States purportedly even found a route bound to the Vnukovo Airfield’s VIP Terminal for a swift aerial exit.
- The Greenbrier Bunker- U.S This is another gigantic bunker capable of housing over a thousand people. Inside the bunker is a 470-seater auditorium intended to be used by the Congress to continue their critical duties in times of war. The Greenbrier used to be a luxury hotel atop the beautiful mountains of West Virginia years before it is converted into a cutting-edge bunker during the Cold War. During World War II (WWII), Axis supporters were also detained in this bunker. After the war, the U.S. government returned the Greenbrier to its original owners. By the end of the 1950s, the government made a deal with the owners of the Greenbrier Hotel to assist in its expansion. The said deal served as a token of gratitude from the U.S. government for allowing the state to convert the hotel into a bunker site.
- Burlington Bunker- United Kingdom Lying in a serene English village called Corsham, the Burlington Bunker is nothing but living proof of the United Kingdom’s power. The bunker, as you would guess was also top-secret. In fact, the Burlington Bunker has several other names, maybe intended to confuse the Royal family’s enemies including Site 3, Turnstile, Stockwell, Subterfuge, Cold War City, and Hawthorn Central Government War Headquarters. This 35 acre bunker can house 4,000 people and help them survive 100 feet below the ground for three months. The Burlington Bunker was built with all the necessary amenities for the comfortable living of the Royal family. There is an underground lake, health facilities, maps, books, and other essential things needed to revive the country just in case it can’t withstand horrible nuclear attack. The Burlington Bunker is heavily guarded as this is built adjacent to the Central Ammunitions Depot of Great Britain. The Burlington Bunker needs £500,000 every year for its maintenance. Due to the high maintenance cost, the UK’s Ministry of Defense finally declassified the bunker in 2004.