A World War II shelter that has lain hidden under the Auberge de Baviere in Valletta for more than 70 years will be opened to the public for the first – and only – time in October.

The ‘war experience’ was created after volunteers from the Land Department excavated the former well and removed more than 200 sacks of rubble.

The well, which is located underneath the Land Department building, was built during the time of the knights, but Valletta residents drained it in the early 1940s so they could take refuge from bombing raids.

The shelter includes a number of ‘private rooms’.

During a visit, Parliamentary Secretary Michael Farrugia applauded the work.

He said the Government wants to enhance the historic aspect of Valletta and called on other departments to make sure the treasures underneath the capital’s surface were exposed and kept in a good condition.

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna also contributed to the works to make sure the historic aspects of the shelter are kept in the right condition and to create an ambience akin to the war.

The shelter will only be open to the public for the Notte Bianca on October 5.