During the Spanish Civil War, in the late 1930s, Alicante was heavily bombed. For months Alacantinos sought refuge from the explosions in air raid shelters located throughout the city. The biggest held 1500 people. After the war the shelters were closed. But this, the largest, was repurposed as a “fruiting chamber” for mushrooms. The dark, moist underground rooms provided the perfect environment for propagation.
By the 1960s the street above the shelter became the red light district and a growing embarrassment for the city. The mayor at the time undertook a municipal project to transform the street into a tourist destination. How? Oversize Disneyesque mushrooms, perfect for photos. Of course.
Today the street is a magnet. Strangely, people flock to take their photos posed next to the giant fungi.
MedFlies 
How delightful, and what an interesting history. I love the different faces they have. I wonder if my ex-husband, the mycologist, knows about this. HAHA. Love you! Dede
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We’re taking an underground tunnel and bomb shelter tour. I am hoping we’ll see the mushroom shelter.
Occasionally, politicians can react with brilliance. This clearly was one of those times. Thanks for sharing.
Derek Simmons retiredinsanclemente@gmail.com
These mushrooms definitely have staying power.
How charming! Gre
Susan, Our comment function is acting up. Can you resend your comment so we all can share it?