Ep 10. Stalin's Secret Lair

In this episode of Cities of the Underworld, we delve deep into the secrets of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin's underground hideaway.

During Stalin's reign, paranoia was rife and he constantly feared assassination attempts. So, Stalin established several hideouts for his own safety, but none were as grand and imposing as his secret underground bunker located in the heart of Moscow.

The catacomb-like complex was built under the Novodevichy cemetery and hidden from public view. It consisted of a maze of tunnels, air vents, and rooms, spanning over 70,000 square feet in area. Stalin's secret lair had a bedroom, living room, a cinema hall, a swimming pool, and even a billiards room - all hidden away from the eyes of the world.

The bunker was built with state-of-the-art technology, including air-filtration systems, soundproofing, and a sophisticated communication network. It was a self-sufficient underground city, complete with water and food supplies, as well as an independent power source.

In this episode, host Don Wildman explores the secrets and significance of this underground bunker. He takes us on a journey through the interconnected passageways and into hidden rooms, examining the secretive and oppressive atmosphere of Stalinist Russia.

The episode also delves into the construction of the bunker. We follow a group of engineers as they examine the sophisticated technology used by Stalin's engineers to make the bunker airtight and self-sufficient. They explore the massive ventilation shafts that allowed air to flow into the bunker while keeping out any potential contaminants.

The show also examines how Stalin used his bunker as a strategic stronghold during WWII. As the German army approached Moscow, Stalin retreated to the safety of his bunker, where he remained for months. We learn how the bunker was reinforced with steel, concrete, and sandbags, converting it into a fortress that could withstand heavy bombing.

Moreover, the episode explores how Stalin's paranoia had infected his closest advisors, forcing them to defect to the Allies. We hear stories of how soldiers and intelligence agents used their knowledge of Stalin's bunker to pass on vital information, allowing the Allies to advance on Moscow and eventually bring an end to World War II.

Through dramatic reconstructions, stunning aerial views of Moscow, and expert interviews with historians, Cities of the Underworld reveals the secrets that lay deep beneath the city. Stalin's Secret Lair is at once a fascinating historical document, a cautionary tale, and a testament to the ingenuity of humans in the face of adversity.