Are there public bomb or nuclear shelters in Italy?

Short answer. Italy publishes no public shelter network for the population and no shelter locator. In a nuclear or radiological emergency, the national measure is to shelter indoors in ordinary buildings, such as homes and workplaces, for about 48 hours as a guide, moving to a basement or underground room if possible ¹. For earthquakes and evacuations, each Comune's civil protection plan designates outdoor waiting areas ²³. Information verified on 2026-10-20.

Does Italy have public nuclear shelters?

No public shelter network is published, and no official count exists ¹. Italy's protection model for a radiological emergency relies on the buildings people are already in. The Civil Protection Department explains: "Le mura degli edifici possono bloccare gran parte della radioattività. Orientativamente l'indicazione di riparo al chiuso può durare 48 ore." ("Building walls can block much of the radioactivity. As a guide, the instruction to shelter indoors may last 48 hours.") ¹

How long would I shelter indoors?

About 48 hours, as an indication ¹. The instruction comes from the authorities, who decide when it starts and ends. If you can, move to a basement or an underground room ¹. To understand why staying inside helps in the first hours and days, see How fast does nuclear fallout decay? The 7-10 rule and What is a shelter's protection factor?.

When IT-alert is sent for a nuclear emergency, it tells people in the area what to do; see our alerts page. A battery radio, which is on the official kit list ², lets you follow instructions if the power fails.

How do I find a shelter or waiting area near me?

There is no shelter locator in Italy ¹. What does exist are municipal civil protection plans. Each Comune designates outdoor waiting areas ("aree di attesa") where people gather during an earthquake or an evacuation. The official advice is "Informati sul Piano di protezione civile del tuo Comune" ("Find out about your Comune's civil protection plan") ²³.

Practical steps:

1. Look up your Comune's civil protection plan on its website or ask the town hall.
2. Note the nearest waiting area to your home, school and workplace.
3. Identify the most protected room in your home: a basement or underground room if you have one ¹.
4. Agree a meeting point with your family: How do I make a family emergency plan?

Should I shelter in place or evacuate?

Follow the authorities' instruction. For a radiological emergency, the national plan's default protective measure is sheltering indoors ¹. In the Vesuvius and Campi Flegrei red zone, when an evacuation order is given, the booklet tells residents to go home and pack a suitcase with essentials such as documents and medicines ³. General background: Shelter in place or evacuate after a nuclear emergency?

What if I want a dedicated shelter?

Italy publishes no specific permit, legal obligation or official guidance for private shelters. See Building a shelter in Italy.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a list of bunkers open to the public in Italy?

No. Italy publishes no public shelter network or shelter locator ¹.

What are "aree di attesa"?

They are outdoor waiting areas designated in each Comune's civil protection plan, used to gather people during an earthquake or evacuation ²³.

Where should I go in a nuclear emergency?

Indoors, in the building you are in, moving to a basement or underground room if possible, for about 48 hours as a guide ¹.

Will I be told when to shelter?

Yes. IT-alert is sent when a plant within 200 km of the border declares a General Emergency and the alarm phase is activated; see the alerts page.

Sources

1. Dipartimento della Protezione Civile (Io non rischio) — Cosa fare - Radiologico e nucleare — https://www.iononrischio.gov.it/it/preparati/nucleare/cosa-fare/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
2. Dipartimento della Protezione Civile (Io non rischio) — Cosa fare - Terremoto — https://www.iononrischio.gov.it/it/preparati/terremoto/cosa-fare/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
3. Dipartimento della Protezione Civile — Io non rischio - Sfogliabile multirischio (© 2025 DPC) — https://eventi.protezionecivile.gov.it/static/c2828dd8a06a45e69e3be33238647783/sfogliabile-multirischio-inr_0.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)