Where do World Cup fans meet? At Stalin's secret bunker

Joseph Stalin's secret bunker has become the unlikely meeting point for thousands of fans who have descended on the Russian city of Samara during the World Cup.

Emerging from the underground shelter more than 120 feet (37 meters) below, Mexicans donning traditional sombreros and Colombians and Uruguayans carrying national flags were fascinated with this remnant of Soviet history that remained unknown for 50 years.

"It's amazing to see so many Latin Americans gathered here. Soviet history is so foreign to us, and getting to know this part of history, which is new to us, is so cool," said Edly Mortera, a Mexico fan wearing the green shirt of the national team.

Her husband, Edgard Ramirez, surfaced from the bunker with a wide-brimmed embroidered sombrero in his hand, and some local residents asked him if they could take pictures.

"It's a great experience because even though our plan is to follow our team and do some sightseeing, we didn't really understand Russia's war history," Ramirez said.

"This is the largest, deepest bunker in the world, even deeper than (Adolf) Hitler's or (Winston) Churchill's."
Slowly descending more than 300 steps, visitors gazed at the mint-colored walls and the thick sealed doors. The temperature rose as they went deeper until reaching the resting room for the "supreme commander."