Malta's underground cold war heritage

Abstract

The Cold War heritage of the Maltese Islands, particularly the underground heritage is still largely undiscovered. The unique political scenario of this period led to the development of defensive buildings and other preparations, which were carried out and maintained in secrecy to the end of the Cold War. Most of these facilities had become outdated and redundant by this time, resulting in their decommissioning and handing over for other uses, or simply falling into disuse. An introductory chapter highlights the aims, methodology and limitations of this study. This is followed by a description of the international and Malta's Cold War scenario, which is considered to be of relevance to the development of both the international and local protective underground construction during the Cold War. Further insight is then presented on the Arms Race, related technological advances and the ever increasing potency of the nuclear bomb resulting from and contributing to the scenario of global tension. These developments are responsible for the origin of the nuclear bunker and for its becoming the most symbolic building from this period. Alternative underground areas became necessary for all indispensible services operations, while underground facilities prepared during WWII were maintained and in some cases even extended.