But far from being damp and draughty the bunker is


Billed as 'the largest billionaire bunker in the word' this nondescript collection of low level buildings spread across several acres does not immediately strike the viewer as the ultimate in doomsday defences.

But The Oppidum, a massive 77,500 square foot underground bunker in the heart of the Czech Republic has been specifically built with the end of the world as we know it in mind.

Designed for just one owner, it is it the largest private shelter in the world and features a private helipad, luxury underground living rooms and a secret corridor connecting the buildings above with those below, allowing its residents to quickly access safety when they feel threatened.

Even its location was strategically chosen in central Europe, in an undisclosed rural area close to Prague and less than two hours from both London and Moscow by private jet.

Hidden depths: The Oppidum, a massive 77,500 square foot underground bunker in the heart of the Czech Republic has been specifically built with the end of the world as we know it in mind (pictured: The collection of low level buildings above ground)

Huge: Built on the site of a former military bunker The Oppidum is it the largest private shelter in the world and features a private helipad, luxury underground living rooms and a secret corridor connecting the buildings above with those below (pictured: an underground plan)

Luxury: The Oppidum features a cinema room, pool, spa, state-of-the-art gymnasium, helipad an even an underground garden

From the surface it is unimposing - but below ground it is colossal, a mansion carved deep into rock.

Luxury living areas including children's bedrooms are safely tucked away behind a blast door, along with a bathroom with jacuzzi, cinema room, games room, swimming pool, gym, spa and a bar.

It even features an underground garden which comes complete with simulated natural light.

The Oppidum also has its own private vaults 'for your most valuable assets'.

The promotional video say the owner will have 'exclusive connections to communications networks' and claim The Oppidum is a fully self-sufficient complex.

Its security features look like something out a spy film, complete with fingerprint technology, iris recognition and state-of-the-art video surveillance.

Former Czech intelligence chief and security expert Andor Sandor said: 'The uniqueness of the bunker lies in the fact it combines state-of-the-art security with luxury and comfort.

What lies beneath: From the surface it is unimposing - but below ground The Oppidum is colossal, a mansion carved deep into rock

One of The Oppidum's living rooms - featuring a wide screen TV and a fireplace to keep its owner warm during the apocalypse

'It is the largest known such facility on earth.'

Construction on the secret facility began in 1984, at the height of the Cold War, as a joint venture between the governments of what were then Czechoslovakia and The Soviet Union.

The team behind the massive bunker claim because the construction of the facility occurred at a time of heightened world tension, the enormous level of resources used to develop it would be all but impossible to match today.

They claim in cases of less catastrophic situations, the bunker will allow the inhabitants to survive natural or man-made disasters, or long-term power outages for up to 10 years.

A spokesman said: 'The bunker will be able to provide long-term accommodation for residents - up to 10 years if necessary - without the need for external supplies.

'This would involve large-scale stocks of non-perishable food and water, along with water purification equipment, medical supplies, surgical facilities, and communication networks with the outside world.'

It also features a massive gym - featuring running machines and exercise bikes and capable of catering to dozens of people at a time

Pictured is a jacuzzi bathtub inside The Oppidum - a facility claiming to be the largest billionaire bunker in the world