Nazi Bunker transformed into leisure complex in Germany

The St. Pauli bunker in Hamburg, Germany, stands at 58 meters tall, slightly surpassing the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and has been a prominent feature of the city skyline for over 80 years. Recently relaunched, the bunker now houses two restaurants, a five-story Hard Rock Hotel, and a striking pyramid-like rooftop bar and garden, which enhances its concrete facade with lush greenery. The REVERB by Hard Rock Hotel pays homage to Hamburg's rich musical heritage, notably as the birthplace of The Beatles in the early 1960s. Located in the trendy Karoviertel neighborhood, the bunker is surrounded by stylish coffee shops, vintage stores, and the Knust nightclub, which occupies a repurposed abattoir. The hotel offers 134 rooms, with rates ranging from 180 euros for a classic room to 269 euros for a suite boasting panoramic city views. Notably, the bunker’s amenities are accessible to the public, with the restaurant La Sala already open on the fifth floor, providing international cuisine alongside stunning views. Originally constructed as one of eight flak towers during World War II, the Hamburg bunker served as an anti-aircraft shelter and air raid refuge. Its formidable structure, with walls 2.5 meters thick, has made demolition impractical. The building's historical significance is preserved through an exhibition on its first floor, which shares testimonies from wartime residents and documents the experiences of forced laborers involved in its construction.