During the Spanish Civil War, Menorca remained under the control of the Republican army. However, from the neighboring island of Mallorca, which was occupied by the rebel side, the Italian air force bombed the island's main cities, such as Mahón and Ciutadella. In response, the population of Alaior sought refuge from air raids in an air-raid shelter built under the Church of Santa Eulalia, as a passive defense measure to protect themselves from the constant bombings.