Secret villain base at Margreid Fire Department, Italy
Does your local fire department look like it could be the set of the next James Bond movie? Probably not. The lucky residents of Married in the alps of Northern Italy, would definitely get to brag, with their striking fire station practically built into the mountains.
The town of Margreid is located among breathtaking alps. An iconic fire station was built with the idea, to preserve the very limited amount of land space in the area. Constructed in 2010, the Margreid Fire Department is a prime location for a villain’s secret hideaway. The decision to build the station along the cliffside a strategic way to make use of the limited amount of land, within the town. Also, an ergonomic sense to maximise the benefits of the surrounding mountain and artificially crafted caverns.
If you think the exterior is striking by itself, wait till you get a good look inside. Tucked away in the side of a cave, the interior of the station has a sophisticated design, that has won international architecture awards around the world. Three caverns had to be blasted into the mountain, in order to form a cave deep enough to fit the structure, which also serves as a good insulator for heat.
This genius structure was done by acclaimed Northern Italy architecture firm Bergmeisterwolf, which has offices in Italy and Austria. The interior of the building is definitely a sight to behold, with sleek and futuristic accents that you can simply marvel at.
If you’re in town admiring the endless landscapes of the Northern Italian alps, also check out the Margreid Fire Department, for a change in scenery.
Photos: bergmeisterwolf.it
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Cavern fire station, Via Johann-Steck 34, Margreid an der Weinstraße (Magrè), South Tyrol, Italy
- Access
- This is an active volunteer fire station and emergency facility, not a walk-in attraction. The municipality explicitly advises contacting the association about possible entry restrictions. Ask first at ff.margreid@lfvbz.org or +39 0471 1390085; do not enter without permission, block the driveway, or interfere with emergency operations.
- Admission
- No public admission policy or visitor ticket is listed. This is an operating fire station, not a ticketed attraction; ask the brigade whether an authorized visit is possible before going.
- Time needed
- No visitor tour or standard visit duration is published. Any visit would require the fire brigade’s prior permission and schedule.
- Best season
- No preferred visitor season is published; the fire station is an operational public-service facility rather than a scheduled seasonal attraction.
- Opening hours
- No visitor opening hours or regular public tour schedule are listed. Emergency-service readiness at all hours does not mean the station is open to visitors; contact the brigade first.
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-07
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