Valletta and the surrounding harbour areas were among the most heavily bombed areas of Europe in World War II. In April 1942 as many as 15 air raids a day hit the island and caused untold devastation. The people of Valletta took to hiding in the tunnels and wells under the city.
Because of the large size of Casa Rocca Piccola it has two wells, both of which were converted into big Bomb Shelters in World War II. They were cut out of the solid rock foundation of Valletta and are part of the original quarry used to build the house 400 years ago.
The largest of our Bomb shelters was even used a chapel and over 100 people would cram into the space while the enemy aircraft attacked Valletta mercilessly. It is possible to go right into these shelters and get a real feeling of what it must have been like in those dark days of the World War 2.
They are also a testament to the resilience of the Maltese people and tell part of the brave story that resulted in the Maltese Islands being granted the George Cross by King George VI.
See below for a short video that gives you an idea of how essential these Bomb Shelters were.